The legacy of a fighting mother
Recently, my friend Núria faced the loss of her mother. In her obituary, she described her mother as a ‘fighter in the face of every adversity’. This moment of grief led me to reflect on life, as I read the works of Viktor Frankl, an author who, after surviving a concentration camp, explored the meaning of human existence.
The meaning of life according to Frankl
Frankl, in his famous book Man’s Search for Meaning, addresses the duality between an active life and a contemplative one. The former allows us to express ourselves through creativity, while the latter invites us to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. However, he also reveals that even in the absence of these experiences, there is meaning: the ability to stand upright in the face of our inevitable fate.
Suffering as a part of existence
Suffering is a constant in human life. You don’t have to have lived through extreme circumstances to recognize it; we all face difficulties. Despite its intrinsic nature, suffering does not define life. Rather, it is the way we choose to deal with it that truly gives meaning to our existence.
The true essence of love
In a moving passage, Frankl reflects on the essence of love. As he faced the harshest adversities, he realized that, even in desolation, love is what gives meaning to life. A man stripped of everything can find a glimmer of happiness when remembering his loved one. This revelation reminds us that love, in its purest form, is what truly saves us.
Lessons from the summer
The summer break can offer a space for reflection. Often, when we engage in creative activities, we do so in search of recognition and affection. This idea, which may seem simple, was uttered by a football coach, showing that the search for love and connection is fundamental in our nature.
A final reflection
Through struggle and suffering, we learn that love is the force that drives us. Life is a journey full of ups and downs, but in the end, it is love that connects us and gives us hope, becoming the light that guides our path even in the darkest moments.
