WHEN Jim Moret, the famous broadcaster and interviewer, gave up his job with the CNN, he had hoped to get another good one after some time, but that did not happen. Unable to face troubles and debts, he contemplated suicide. And he asked himself what he would do if he had only one day to live. It resulted in a series of reflections about life, which renewed his faith in living.
He recalls his friendship with people that made an impact on his life; so he makes a gratitude list, to thank people who helped him and his wife Keri. He remembers the love that he got from his step-dad and his biological father and his children, and the joys of marriage and family. He realizes the power of commitment, which made him reenact his marriage with his wife, to assure her of his love for her. He realizes the peace that results from forgiveness, and the wonders that a timely apology can work in life.
He also realises that to stay on course in life, one needs a sense of purpose and determination to realize it. Passion too is required to actuate our efforts, so that we can leave some worthwhile legacy. We need to learn acceptance, too. To lift one’s mood, there is nothing to beat music, though laughter too has its value. We should wait for miracles; they do happen sometimes. We also need to learn lessons from life and reset our clock: time has to be a friend, not a master.
Moret wants us to believe that there is enough in our lives to make us happy. His book is an inspiring read.
(Jaico Publishing House, A-2, Jash Chambers, 7-A, Sir Phirozshah Mehta Road, Fort, Mumbai-400001, Jaicopub@jaicobooks.com)
