I remember reading portions of Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl at different times, but I never finished the book. However, recently, eight and a half months after the passing of Jan, the book came up for discussion in one of my groups. Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which derives from the Greek word for "meaning," centers around the idea that the primary human drive is not pleasure, as Freud believed, but rather the search for what gives life meaning. I now have a framework for my life without Jan.
Patience is a Virtue I Need Now
Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 20 seconds
All of my life, I have been described as someone patient to a fault.
Many have been critical of me, sometimes silently but others directly in my face.
Invariably, I would shake off the criticism and act like everything was AOK.
Since Jan died, my ability to remain patient has ebbed like the Rahway River.
I remind myself, “Sometimes you have to go through the worst to get the best.”
Being patient and focused allowed me to meet Jan at the correct time and place.
We might never have met, fallen in love, or married a day earlier or later.
Now I need to be patient while I work to find out who I am without Jan beside me.
I often re-read Jon Kabat-Zinn’s quote in Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness,
Patience is a form of wisdom. It demonstrates that we understand and accept that sometimes things must unfold in their own time.
God grant me patience as I struggle to find meaning and purpose in my unexpected solitary years.
The love that Jan and I shared will never die.
Let love be my guide in these difficult times.
The Jan Lilien Education Fund sponsors ongoing sustainability and environmental awareness programs. Gifts made this month; I will match dollar-for-dollar. All donations are tax-deductible.
I receive a commission when you buy a book or product using a link on this page. Thank you for supporting Sharing Jan’s Love.
Patience is one of my virtues. The laid-back style was what Jan's friends referred to in 1973. At various times in my life, patience has been crucial. When I met Jan, patience ensured eternal love would grow. When she almost left me, patience saved our marriage.
Man’s Search for Meaning
Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 20 seconds
