|
“Over and Next!” Norman Lear’s simple yet profound advice for a life well lived.
Norman Lear passed away last week at 101, leaving a legacy of exploring, creating, and laughing. “The soundtrack of my life has been laughter. I believe it has everything to do with a long life.” Best known for producing popular sitcoms in the 1970s: All in the Family, Sanford and Sons, The Jeffersons, Maude, and Good Times, Norman brought joy to millions through the television screen while audaciously introducing heated political and social themes such as abortion, bigotry, and sexism. Throughout his career, Norman created, wrote, and produced over 100 shows, with six more in the works when he died! When asked about his constant stream of projects, Norman reflected, “I don’t want to wake up in the morning without hope.” With this mindset, Norman refused to retire. He wrote his memoir at age 92 and launched his podcast All of the Above with Norman Lear, at age 95, sharing stories and seeking wisdom from 64 guests over two years. Also known for supporting liberal and progressive causes and politicians, Norman founded People for the American Way, a progressive advocacy organization, in 1981. And yet, at the same time, Norman nurtured a pen pal relationship with President Ronald Regan, a staunch Republican supporting opposing views. Commenting on the ostensible conflict, Norman responded like an earnest mentee of life, “We are in this lifetime together. And maybe it’s possible to appreciate the other guy for the way his mind works, even when he’s not working your way.” How did Norman come to this philosophy? He loved Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote: “Every man I meet is my superior in some way, and in that, I learn from him.” As Norman approached his centenarian milestone, he was interviewed often, inviting him to reflect and mentor us from his lifetime of exploring and experimenting. Norman offered this advice: “There are two little words we don’t pay enough attention to: Over and Next.” “Over!” is recognizing when an experience is done, letting it go, and refusing to ruminate. And “Next!” is eagerly anticipating and creating the possibility of the future. Norman urged, “When something is over, it is over, and we are on to the next. Between those words, we live in moments – make the most of them.” © 2023. Ann Tardy and MentorLead. www.mentorlead.com. All Rights Reserved. |