There are quotes that inspire, quotes that comfort, and quotes that leave you thinking. And then there are those rare quotes that reach deep into your heart and awaken something long forgotten. In Musings for Madie Quotes to Live by When Life Gives Us Life, Stephanie Malbasa shares many such pearls of wisdom—but one quote in particular lingers in the soul long after the page has turned:
“Live to the point of tears.” —Albert Camus
At first glance, it’s a poetic sentiment. But when you unpack its layers, it becomes a profound call to live more fully, more honestly, and more vulnerably. In her beautifully reflective book, Stephanie does exactly that—she unpacks it not just through words, but through a lifetime of experience.
What Does It Mean to “Live to the Point of Tears”?
To live to the point of tears is to feel everything deeply. It’s to live in such a way that even the most ordinary moments hold the power to move you. It’s laughter that turns into tears, gratitude that leaves you speechless, and beauty that breaks your heart wide open.
Stephanie Malbasa, who has spent decades juggling the roles of lawyer, mother, grandmother, entrepreneur, and humanitarian, knows a thing or two about embracing life’s intensity. In Musings for Madie, she reflects on how this quote became a compass—guiding her through grief, joy, transition, and triumph. Her life hasn’t been defined by perfection, but by presence.
Tears, she writes, are not a sign of weakness but a marker of a life well-lived. They come when we love deeply, care fiercely, or stand in awe of something greater than ourselves.
Why We Often Avoid Living This Way
Modern life teaches us to hold back. Be strong. Stay composed. Keep moving. But somewhere in that rush, we start to disconnect—from our emotions, from our relationships, even from our own inner truth.
Living to the point of tears requires courage. It asks us to let down our guard and risk vulnerability. It means embracing joy even though we know loss is inevitable. It means loving fully, even when it hurts.
Stephanie acknowledges these fears with honesty. In her reflections, she doesn’t pretend that deep feeling is easy—but she insists it’s worth it. Her writing reminds us that emotional depth is not something to hide from; it’s something to strive for.
Moments That Move Us: Big and Small
The tears Stephanie talks about aren’t always born from tragedy. Sometimes they’re born from quiet moments—like watching your child take their first steps, hearing your favorite song at the right time, or sitting in silence with someone who understands you without words.
In Musings for Madie Stephanie shares stories where the tears came not from pain, but from the overwhelming awareness of beauty. A morning ritual of gratitude. A conversation with her granddaughter. A long walk after a hard day. These moments might be easy to overlook, but when you’re living to the point of tears, they become the moments you live for.
She encourages us to let ourselves be moved—to lean into the moment rather than past it. Because it’s in these moments that life speaks loudest.
The Strength in Softness
One of the most powerful takeaways from Stephanie’s writing is her reframing of emotional vulnerability as strength. To cry, to feel, to be undone by beauty or sadness—these aren’t signs of fragility, but of deep connection to the world around us.
She challenges the narrative that stoicism equals strength and instead offers a softer, more humane alternative. In living openly, she teaches, we open ourselves to empathy, understanding, and ultimately, healing.
Whether she’s writing about the joys of grandparenting, the pain of loss, or the courage it takes to begin again, her voice remains steady and full of grace. She leads not with answers, but with lived wisdom.
A Practice of Presence
“Living to the point of tears” is not just a poetic ideal—it can be a daily practice. Stephanie encourages readers to slow down, tune in, and give space to their emotions.
Start by asking:
- What moments today stirred something in me?
- When was the last time I felt deeply moved—and what caused it?
- Am I making room in my life for awe, wonder, or even sadness?
These questions don’t require dramatic answers. In fact, Stephanie shows us that the most transformative reflections often come from the quietest places.
Passing on the Wisdom
Musings for Madie is dedicated to Stephanie’s granddaughter, Madie. But her wisdom is meant for all of us. It’s a love letter to the next generation—and to anyone brave enough to feel deeply.
She hopes her words will help others slow down, open up, and live with greater intention. To her, “living to the point of tears” is not just about experiencing life more fully—it’s about leaving a legacy of compassion and connection.
A Life That Touches, A Life That Lasts
In a world that often celebrates speed, detachment, and surface-level living, Musings for Madiee is a heartfelt reminder that the richest life is the one we feel deeply. Stephanie Malbasa’s reflections show us that the greatest gift we can give ourselves—and those we love—is to live wide open.
So what if you lived to the point of tears?
You might find yourself more present, more grateful, more alive. You might laugh harder, listen closer, and love without holding back. And in doing so, you might discover that tears are not just endings—they’re the beginning of truly living.
Let them come. Let them teach. Let them transform.
Because to live to the point of tears… is to truly live.