We Can All Be Winnie The Pooh | Gabor Maté

In this heartfelt reflection, Dr. Gabor Maté uses the timeless story of Winnie the Pooh to share a profound life lesson. He recalls how Christopher Robin grows up and moves away from the innocence and joy of childhood play, a moment that touched him deeply. Reflecting on his own life as a physician, Gabor admits to being driven by the need to prove his worth, often at the cost of joy and playfulness.

He highlights how so many of us sacrifice what truly matters—connection, creativity, and fun—for the pursuit of success and acceptance. This relentless drive can leave us disconnected from the very things that bring meaning to our lives. Gabor challenges us to recognize these patterns and rediscover the simple joys we often leave behind.

By embracing the spirit of Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin, Gabor reminds us that life doesn’t have to be all work and seriousness. Playfulness and presence are essential, no matter our age or stage in life. Let’s not forget to spend time in our own “Enchanted Forest,” where we can reconnect with what truly makes life magical.

[McVaerk]

"We don't stop playing because we get old - we get old because we stop playing."

[JohnBricksmith]

"We didn't realize we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun." -Winnie The Pooh

[jframe-oszi]

So well explained 😢
Winny asked Robyn, "what day is it today?"
"Oh" said Robyn "it's today".
"Ahhhh" said Winney "my favourite day".😊

Yesterday is History
Tomorrow is a Mystery
and today is a Gift ... that's why it's called the Present 💝😊😊

[SlickRick]

“Don’t get so caught up trying to make a living that you forget to make a life” - Somebody

[gaslight]

Everyone is different, some people never lose their playfulness and joy in life, no matter how hard they work nor how successful they become. While others never work or make anything of their lives and are dreary and resentful with no playfulness or joy. Just be you, that's all.

[chantalbossert]

Because of you, I just told my youngest son; whom I always tried to tame his excitement, and because of you, I just told him to just be him! If he is easily excited to be easily excited!!!! I will no longer try to destroy that part of him!

[E]

At work, everyone is replaceable. At home, you are not. Love this

[cmfrtblynmb]

This man is such a treasure. His stance on gaza, his wisdom. What a beautiful soul

[MudraZhiulna-ty]

I just now showed this to my papa ❤
His reaction was an instant RELIEF for him. It literally gave him the permission slip he NEEDED ! Ty ty ty ty ty

[manicmonarch]

The most successful people i know still know how to play and have fun.
Growing up is natural. Even if you're not at the top of your field, you have to adopt responsibilities or you'll stay forever as Peter Pan and be unfit to parent children. Then you'll look around and be depressed because you have outgrown your meaning.
If you have children and grandchildren, you rediscover and teach them how to play and be imaginative.

[alexanderantoninsommerkamp]

Very true words, if you feel that you have to justify your existence or prove anything to anyone, your went off your path. I am a doctor myself and I work with a reduced contract, about 30 hours a week. I have family and other things in my life that mean a lot to me and that I want to spend time on. There are collegues of mine who work 80 hours or more. If it makes you happy, go for it. But dont do it because you think you have to or because you have to validate yourself to anyone. Life can be over any moment, for anyone of us. My work reminds me of this every single day.

[everev]

So true !! Even kids are treated like adults, they lose their innocence and childhood. Chasing this world's successfulness is meaningless and a safe way to be unhappy .

[CrashBandiii]

Here i sit, burnt out from another year of neglecting myself and trying to make myself fit into the world. It amazes me how lonely and empty the world can feel sometimes

[letstargaze]

I really love this dude. I feel like every time he talks, he is solving all my life issues.

[aKjohn]

The way he paused, and said " for decades" held immensely sadness and pain.

[moragmacgregor]

You're a remarkable, insightful, empathetic man, Gabor.

[loooveismusic]

Something about this man is so raw and real. That's why I relate to him and like him a lot.

[therabman_]

Me and my partner sold everything in the UK to buy a small farm in Eastern Europe we were wage slaves in uk. Now we get to spend all day together with the kinds it’s been amazing.

[jesusfranco]

“They say nothing is impossible but I do nothing everyday”-Winnie the Pooh

[bffentertainment]

What a sweet man. His family and patients were blessed to have him!