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The Meaning of Life, As Told By A Homeless Singer

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After witnessing one of the closest people in my life pass from cancer, a few childhood friends losing their parents to cancer, and seeing the home where I was born and raised ravished by floods, I'm thinking and soul searching more than ever.

What is the meaning of life?

We've all asked that question. I don't have the answer, but I do know that making yourself and others joyful is about as close as I'm ever going to be to understanding it. 

I've chosen a career in technology because it's a creative canvas that allows other people to interact with it.  Have computers, cell phones and Facebook made your life more joyful?  Maybe not in small doses, but I'd argue that taken in total it's allowed you to connect with friends and family more often and in a more meaningful way.

I think that's my life's work, to make your life not just marginally better, but more joyful as well.

Standing on the El platform last night on the way to a Cubs game I was fortunate enough to be invited to, I was surrounded by people of varying religions, cultures, races, and sex.  But the happiest person in the entire place was a homeless man in his late 40s singing acapella with his eyes closed.

Sadly, no one noticed him, but we started singing with him. 

He then began to sing the classic Wizard of Oz song by Judy Garland, "Over The Rainbow", and I felt a sense of contentment wash over me.  I gave him all the money I had in my wallet, save for the $20 bill I needed to take a cab home.  I told him to "keep doing what you're doing" because his attitude affected me positively and I'm sure it affected others as well.

So I ask you:  are you one of the people I witnessed Monday evening that jumped out of work the minute the clock ticked past 5pm and rushed away as fast as you could? 

You only get one life, and you should be proud and happy of every part of it, including your career (you spend the bulk of your life either in school or at work).

If I can help you take the thing you dread and turn it into something you love, maybe that would give my life meaning.  Let me know how I can help.

 

Contact Me

 

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