Things Happen For Reasons

I attended a lecture by David Brooks, the journalist, talking about his new book, The Second Mountain, The Quest for a Moral Life. He was a mesmerizing speaker, capturing the attention of the entire audience with his insights and humor. I am a firm believer in things happening for a reason.  As I listened to his presentation I felt he was reaffirming the message of my novel, The Unexpected Connection which I also feel is insightful and full of humor.

Many years ago I heard Frank McCourt tell an audience that most authors base their fiction on real life events. Becoming a dating widow was the impetus for writing my novel.  In turn, David Brooks experienced a low point in his life when he became divorced. That life crisis was apparently the motivation for his novel. He stated, “…stay in pain to understand” and “…make the most of suffering.” As a result, he emphasized that, “the bigger the level of one’s consciousness the deeper the level of communication one achieves.” I identified with that and his suggestion that our goal should be, “to be heard and understood” also resonated with me.  In essence, I interpreted that as when faced with life’s challenges don’t be a woe is me person but move forward with understanding and self- awareness, a message of my novel.  Additionally, he stressed the importance of trans-generational friendships.  He threw out the expression “okay boomer,” in other words, baby boomer do have something to offer. Of course, I loved hearing that since that is another one of the themes of my novel and how I live my life. I have many meaningful trans-generational friendships.

In essence, as in my novel, Vanessa, the millennial, and Michelle, the baby boomer become fast friends. Vanessa learns so much of what David Brooks suggested from Michelle. Essentially when dating, one must respect themselves and be respected by others.  Taking this a step further, women in all facets of their lives should heed that message. Thus, there was a reason for me attending the lecture! What are your thoughts?