Time and time ago, a tourist from a faraway country visited the famous Polish rabbi Hafez, who lived in a very simple dwelling. Basically, he only had just one room, with a bed in one corner, and a table and a bench on the opposite side. The tourist asked him, 'Rabbi, where is your furniture?' Hafez answered, 'And where is yours?' 'Mine? But I am a tourist here, a stranger!' responded our fellow. 'So am I!' promptly answered the rabbi. It's a good story for those of us who believe that they are here on earth for the long haul. Rather than assuming that we are alive by some right, taking it for granted, and enjoying an illusion, perhaps it's better to appreciate the 'here and now', with gratitude and responsibility. After all, life is what you make it!
Michael Galea, PhD, is an associate professor at the University of Malta and a clinical psychologist by profession. He has studied at Heythrop College, University of London, and at the University of Loyola, Baltimore, MD, USA. He has worked in Nairobi, Kenya, London, UK, and in Baltimore, MD. Back in Malta, he worked in both education and health. He regularly contributes to various social media platforms, including his YouTube channel 'Psychology Minute with Michael Galea', and is a frequent guest on live TV shows. Michael is married to Frankline and together they have twins, Marie and Jean Paul.