“You have cancer and months to live”
Devastating.
Devastating words for anyone,
Life shattering
Life shattering words for anyone to hear
Especially for a successful, family man, and father of two young children.
This man, who should be devastated,
Is Randy Pausch.

Randy Pausch smiles in the face of death
Yet;
You cry because your parents won't buy you a new computer.


Randy Pausch cherishes the limited time he has left with his family
Yet;
You moan and groan about having to attend a family party.


Randy Pausch pursued his dreams given the obstacles
Yet;
You let the obstacles define you.


Randy Pausch could have gotten numerous "cancer perks"
Yet;
He still worked hard
Yet;
You over exaggerate a situation in hopes of sympathy.Randy Pausch celebrated and embraced "brick walls"
Yet;
You reflect and complain about the annoyance of them.


Randy Pausch lived his short life to the fullest
Yet;
You’re too busy being unhappy to live as full of a life as Randy Pausch
Even though you probably have twice as long.

When life gets you down,
Don’t let it bring you down.
Ask yourself, what would Randy do?
And just smile.

The value that smile contains is immense-
It:
Elevates an unpleasant situation
Represents persistence and determination
Keeps you strong
Lets you live life to the fullest,
And-most of all,
Defines you.


So, in the face of fear, discouragement, anger, heartbreak, disappointment, happiness, whatever it may be-
Remember,
The power of a simple smile.
(: