Few Insights Drinking Mai Tais on the Beach

PRESENTATION” 30 YEARS OF LEANING INTO THE SHARP POINTS: A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE

Sunday, February 2, 2014 @ 11:00 a.m.
Cultural Integration Fellowship
2650 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94118

(Over well before the SuperBowl)

Few people have had insights about life when sitting on a beach in Hawaii being served Mai Tais.  Insights seem to occur with adversity rather than over a beer discussing Justin Beeber’s legal battles. Adversity, according to Tibitans involves bringing closer those things that you fear the most–the sharp points of your life.

For the past 30 years I’ve been brought to them, often kicking and screaming. In this presentation on Super Bowl Sunday, I’ve been asked to share  with the Cultural Fellowship Organization what I’ve learned from leaning into these sharp points. Mai Tais won’t be served, but you’ll be home in plenty of time to watch the Super Bowl.

My mother’s Yiddish word for sharp points was “Tsuris”; those troublesome things in life that we can’t escape. She usually used it in the context of the problems I gave her. In my presentation, I’ll talk about the Tsuris I’ve experienced as an end of life and caregiving counselor, disabilities advocate, hospice volunteer, family caregiver, and someone who has learned to accept his aging and decrepit body.

What I’ve learned over 30 years is that “Tsuris” can stimulate growth, lead to a more fulfilling life, leave a meaningful legacy, and allow for a better death. I hope to share my insights with you on Super Bowl Sunday.