Life Lessons from the Basketball Nun // Sister Jean's "Wake up With Purpose!"

How do you find your purpose?

My friend, Suz, and I chat about how difficult it can be to feel like you're on the right path and how in awe of Sister Jean's ability to relax into and trust in God's plan for her. In her memoir, Sister Jean, the 105-year-old basketball-loving Sister who captured America's heart during March Madness, shares her century of wisdom in a heartwarming discussion about finding purpose, choosing happiness, and embracing differences.

• Born in 1919 and raised in a community of immigrants, Sister Jean developed early appreciation for diversity
• Sister Jean discovered her calling to become a sister in third grade, ultimately joining the Order of Blessed Virgin Mary
• Her adaptability and forward-thinking approach helped her navigate nearly eight decades as an educator
• Becoming Loyola Chicago's basketball chaplain in 1994 set the stage for her unexpected fame during March Madness
• Sister Jean values teamwork above all, believing "life is a team sport" that requires collaboration in all aspects
• Her daily routine includes waking at 5am for prayer and reflection, attributing her longevity to living with purpose
• At 98, she became an overnight basketball sensation when Loyola reached the Final Four in 2018
• Sister Jean advocates for happiness as a choice that becomes "contagious" to those around us
• Her progressive views on acceptance, climate change, and learning from history reflect her balanced worldview

Wake up with purpose each day, and remember that it's easy to do good if you want to do good.

Listener discretion advised: this episode includes adult language

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Link to this episode’s book:
Wake up With Purpose!: What I Learned in my First Hundred Years by Sister Jean

Show Links:
Forest Bathing
Stress Can Increase Your Biological Age
The Game of Change

Transcripts are available through apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know. 

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Suz. We’ll figure it out!

Xx, Alex

Chapter Markers:

0:00 : Introduction to Sister Jean's Story
6:41: Finding Peace and Living with Purpose
17:15: Growing Up with Acceptance and Teamwork
27:51: Journey to Sisterhood and Teaching
36:30: Work at Mundelein and Loyola University
48:34: Rise to Fame During March Madness
51:33: Sister Jean's Wisdom on Social Issues