Our friend, Timothy J. Russert, was a man who awoke every

"Our friend, Timothy J. Russert, was a man who awoke every morning as if he had just won the lottery the day before. He was determined to take full advantage of his good fortune that he couldn't quite believe and share it with everyone around him." — Tom Brokaw. These words from Tom Brokaw speak to the vibrant spirit of Tim Russert, a man who embraced each new day as a gift, a blessing he could scarcely believe. The imagery of waking up as if one had just won the lottery captures the essence of gratitude and enthusiasm—the feeling of waking up with a profound sense of wonder and excitement, knowing that every new day offers an opportunity to embrace life to its fullest. Russert’s approach to life serves as a reminder that we should not only treasure what we have but also share our fortune with others, spreading joy and goodwill wherever we go.

In the ancient world, there was a deep reverence for those who lived with gratitude and joy. The Greeks often spoke of Eudaimonia, the state of flourishing or living a good life, which was achieved through the pursuit of virtue and living in harmony with the world. To the Greeks, happiness was not an accidental gift but a result of embracing the blessings of life with open arms, cultivating a spirit of joy, and sharing that joy with others. Timothy J. Russert embodies this ancient ideal—living each day as if it were a blessing, and using that sense of wonder and excitement to uplift those around him. His belief in the power of gratitude and the sharing of his good fortune speaks to the timeless wisdom of living fully, living in the moment, and spreading joy through our actions.

Consider the example of Marcus Aurelius, the great Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher, who understood the importance of embracing each day as a gift, despite the many challenges and duties he faced. Aurelius wrote in his Meditations that we should begin each day with the understanding that we are fortunate to have the opportunity to live, to serve, and to contribute to the greater good. Like Russert, Aurelius recognized that life is precious, fleeting, and that each new day should be treated as an opportunity to give thanks and make a positive difference. His Stoic wisdom teaches us that even when faced with hardships, we should approach each moment with the mindset of someone who has received a gift, a chance to rise above and make the most of what is given to us.

In the same vein, Confucius in ancient China spoke of the importance of living with virtue and purpose, using one’s life to enrich the lives of others. He believed that the pursuit of inner peace and wisdom was meant not just for personal fulfillment, but for the betterment of society. Russert’s determination to take full advantage of his good fortune—his gratitude for life, and his desire to share it—aligns with the teachings of Confucius, who believed that our greatest joy comes from our contribution to others. Just as Confucius taught that a good life is one lived with benevolence and kindness, Russert’s approach to life was one of giving back, of spreading his sense of good fortune to those around him.

There is a modern resonance to Russert’s approach as well. In the business world, leaders like Richard Branson and Oprah Winfrey have built empires not solely on the foundation of personal success, but on the commitment to share their good fortune with others. Branson, for instance, often speaks of the importance of gratitude in his work, and how his success has afforded him the opportunity to give back. Oprah has made sharing her gifts and wealth with others a central tenet of her life’s work, using her platform to uplift and empower those who may not have the same opportunities. Like Russert, these modern figures understand that success is not just about individual gain, but about the joy and positive energy one can bring to the world by sharing it.

In our own lives, we are often so caught up in the pursuit of success and achievement that we forget to pause and recognize the blessings that already exist within us. Russert’s words remind us that the good fortune we receive, whether large or small, is a gift meant not only for us to enjoy but for us to share. The act of embracing each day with a sense of wonder and gratitude is not just about finding happiness but about spreading that happiness to others, much like the ancient philosophers and modern leaders. By living with a spirit of thankfulness and generosity, we can enrich our lives and the lives of those around us.

The lesson from Russert’s words is simple yet powerful: gratitude and joy are meant to be shared. Each day is an opportunity to wake up with the excitement of someone who feels as though they have been blessed with good fortune. Let us, like Russert, choose to take full advantage of this gift by not only living fully ourselves but by sharing our joy with those around us. Whether through small acts of kindness, sharing our successes, or simply offering a smile, we can spread the same joy and enthusiasm that Russert embodied. In doing so, we enrich not just our own lives but the world itself.