Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, a 105-year-old Catholic nun, catapulted to fame during the 2018 March Madness when the Loyola Chicago Ramblers made an unexpected run to the Final Four. But behind that cheerful woman in a wheelchair lies a century of wisdom, purpose, and profound life lessons that transcend religious boundaries.
In her memoir “Wake Up With Purpose: What I’ve Learned in My First Hundred Years,” Sister Jean shares her journey from a young girl in California to becoming an unlikely sports icon. Born in 1919, just after World War I, Sister Jean has witnessed tremendous historical events and societal changes. She vividly recalls watching the Golden Gate Bridge being built in 1933, an anecdote that immediately contextualizes the extraordinary span of her lifetime.
What makes Sister Jean’s memoir so compelling is her unwavering commitment to living with intention and purpose. Every morning, she wakes at 5 AM for prayer and reflection, a ritual that grounds her day in gratitude and mindfulness. This daily practice exemplifies her belief that “if you’re not moving forward, you’re going to get left behind real quick.” Her adaptability, which she considers her superpower, has allowed her to remain relevant and connected throughout her long life.
Sister Jean’s wisdom on happiness resonates particularly deeply. She writes, “I believe happiness is a choice. As hard as things get sometimes, we can still choose to be happy, and that choice can be contagious.” This perspective challenges us to reconsider how we approach our own struggles and disappointments. Rather than being victims of circumstance, Sister Jean encourages us to make conscious choices about our outlook, suggesting that our happiness can positively impact those around us.
The concept of teamwork runs like a thread throughout Sister Jean’s life philosophy. From her experiences as a teacher and team chaplain, she emphasizes that “life is a team sport.” This notion extends beyond basketball to all aspects of human interaction. “Families have to have teamwork, husbands and wives have to have teamwork, businesses have to have teamwork,” she writes. Her belief in collective effort over individual achievement offers a refreshing counterpoint to today’s often self-centered culture.
Perhaps most striking is Sister Jean’s approach to acceptance and diversity. Raised in a community of immigrants, she learned early on to embrace differences. “We were taught to be so accepting of differences that we hardly noticed them,” she reflects. This foundation informed her lifelong commitment to inclusion and understanding. In an era of polarization, Sister Jean’s emphasis on finding common ground rather than focusing on division provides a much-needed perspective on how to navigate complex social issues with grace and empathy.
Sister Jean’s reflection on ambition particularly resonates: “Ambition is a healthy driver, but we need not allow it to make us lose our sense of selves.” This balanced approach encourages us to pursue our goals while maintaining perspective – a reminder that success without well-being is ultimately hollow. Her wisdom challenges us to examine whether our ambitions are leading us toward fulfillment or merely achievement at the cost of our happiness and relationships.
The beauty of Sister Jean’s story lies in its universality. Though rooted in her Catholic faith, her insights on purpose, peace, and connection speak to universal human experiences. As she poignantly notes, “I don’t pretend to know what God thinks about everything, but I do believe he created each one of us out of love. It’s up to us to learn to accept people, no matter how different they are.” This sentiment transcends religious boundaries, offering wisdom for believers and non-believers alike.
As we reflect on Sister Jean’s remarkable century of life, perhaps her most powerful message is that it’s never too late to make an impact. Becoming famous at 98 years old, she reminds us that life continually offers unexpected opportunities and joys if we remain open to them. Her story encourages us all to wake up with purpose each day, regardless of our age or circumstances, and to embrace the possibility that our greatest contributions may still lie ahead.
Life Lessons from the Basketball Nun – Sister Jean’s “Wake up With Purpose!”
