Hmm, this quote got me thinking, 'What ARE the things I’m doing that make me feel alive?’
I recently finished watching the Netflix series
Transatlantic. As I read Michael's
quote, it reminded me of a powerful scene from the show. The main character, Mary-Jayne, looked deeply into her friend’s eyes as the authorities closed in on them and said,
“I’ve never felt this alive in my life”. This scene beautifully captures Mary-Jayne’s essence, her ability to live life on the edge and feel a sense of vitality even in the face of imminent capture by the local authorities.
The Transatlantic series loosely tells the remarkable true story of Mary Jayne Gold, a young American woman from Chicago who risked her life and her last dime to save Jewish and anti-Nazi artists during World War II. These events take place in 1939, when Mary Jayne defied the US government's advice to leave as the Nazi’s advanced into France.
With each episode, I found myself immersed in a whirlwind of emotions, witnessing a world filled with acts of heroism, moments of fear, and unforgettable experiences. These were the feelings that Mary Jayne described as truly making life worth living, resonating with me deeply.
Her story served as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing the experiences that truly make us feel alive.
Michael Thompson teaches writers how to tell more compelling stories. He suggests that we can inspire our audience with what we have learned from our own experiences. The beauty of stories is that you don't need to be an expert; you just need to be honest and human.
In a world becoming increasingly noisy, his teachings help writers make their stories stand out.
From the start, Mary-Jayne was determined to do whatever it took to save lives. She went to great lengths, even pawning her jewelry and engaging in a romantic relationship with a diplomat, all in her mission to protect refugees. As the series progressed, I watched Mary-Jayne change from a carefree woman with her father's wealth to a selfless heroine risking her life for others.
Despite the danger and uncertainty surrounding her, Mary-Jayne had discovered a sense of purpose and fulfillment she feared she’d never experience again. It was a beautiful reminder of the incredible sacrifices humans are capable of in extraordinary times.
The sacrifices that some people make for others are mind-boggling to me. It made me question my own capacity for selflessness.
Would I be willing to step out of my comfort zone and risk everything to save another soul?
While I engage in small acts of charity and volunteer work, heroes like those depicted in Transatlantic showed a level of contribution and bravery that is truly amazing.
If we look closely enough, we can discover acts of heroism in the most unexpected places. For example, in my own neighborhood, two families opened their homes to families who fled from war-torn countries. Their act of sacrifice goes way behind what I think I could do, but it has inspired me to do more.
Bravery can manifest in various forms, and each of us has the power to make a difference.
Taking Michael Thompson’s advice to writers, "Do one thing a day that makes your palms sweat a little," we can step outside of our comfort zones and embrace those moments that challenge us. By doing so, we can experience incredible personal growth and gain a deeper appreciation for life.
Whether it involves delivering a speech at work, reaching out to someone we admire, or simply greeting a stranger on the street, we each hold the role of narrator in our own stories.
Let’s each strive to do something every day that makes us feel a little bit more alive.
