The 5 People You Meet in Heaven: Unlocking the Power of Mitch Albom's Books for Inspiration

 Maggie Sullivan

Maybe you're already familiar with the renowned author Mitch Albom, either through your high school's mandatory reading of "Tuesdays with Morrie" or by stumbling upon it in the inspirational reads section of your local bookstore, like I did. Whether you are an avid practitioner of gratitude or simply seeking inspiration, Albom's books are must-reads.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

In The Five People You Meet in Heaven, readers are taken on a thought-provoking journey following the life and death of a man named Eddie. Upon his arrival at the pearly gates of heaven, Eddie encounters five individuals who profoundly impact his existence.

This story revolves around the notion that nothing in your life is an accident. Each encounter we have with others has the potential to leave a permanent impact, far beyond what we may ever know. Often, we become preoccupied with our own perceived flaws, failing to appreciate our uniqueness and individuality that can never be duplicated. This book serves as a reminder of the certainty of the butterfly effect, illustrating that no matter how insignificant we may feel, our presence in this world is essential.

No matter how insignificant you may feel in your own company, The Five People You Meet in Heaven will remind you of your certain place in this world, that would not be complete without you.

The Stranger in the Lifeboat 

The Stranger in the Lifeboat evokes a mixture of emotions, making my heart feel light and sunken at the same time. It follows the lives of ten survivors of a shipwreck who find themselves forced to confront their deepest fears and judgements, rendering them completely vulnerable to one another. As you read, you can't help but wonder, "What would I do if faced with such a situation?"

While religious undertones permeate the story, the overarching message urges us to embrace blind optimism. It encourages us to wholeheartedly accept the cards life deals us, reminding us that sometimes surrendering to the unknown can lead to unexpected growth.

Tuesdays with Morrie

Just a week ago, I finished reading Tuesdays with Morrie, and since then, I have basically recommended it to everyone I know. This book holds the same transformative power for me as Atomic Habits by James Clear for the wellness side of TikTok.

The storyline follows the profound experiences of a professor who seeks to share his accumulated wisdom with as many people as possible before his battle with ALS reaches its fatal end. Let me tell you, this quick read had me reaching for my highlighter, illuminating the valuable takeaways and lessons on how to truly live.

It teaches us the art of self-forgiveness, accepting things as they are, and not allowing the desires for money, power, or revenge to drain the genuine satisfaction of embracing life's imperfect nature. Reading each chapter felt like exploring a gratitude journal, each chapter, a new reminder of blessings we overlook every day.

Consider picking up some kind of inspirational literature for your next read. It can truly uplift our spirits and provide a fresh perspective, particularly during times when we find ourselves in a rut. Albom's storytelling reminds us of our innate resilience as human beings and the beauty of embracing our true selves while reveling in the gift of life. Remember, you are capable of remarkable resilience, and the mere fact that you exist in this world makes it more vibrant and complete.