1. Know the difference between the pursuit of happiness and the happiness of pursuit
In the recently released 2014 movie “Hector and the Search for Happiness”, Hector (played by Simon Pegg) decides to embark on a journey to find happiness. The journey is the key. So let’s think about what our journey has revealed to us?
2. “Pay it Forward”
In the 2000 movie “Pay it Forward”, Eugene Simonet (played by Kevin Spacey) challenges his seventh grade social studies class to complete a very special class project. Help three people accomplish something that they can’t do by themselves. Then ask them to help three people to “Pay it Forward”. It will give your life a new meaning.
3. Focus on “Doing”not “Trying”
In the 1979 Star Wars movie, “The Empire Strikes Back“, Yoda (voice played by Frank Oz) mentors young Luke Skywalker (played by Mark Hamill) on what it takes to be a Jedi Master. Think about, what word you use more often, “try” or do”?
4. Ask yourself: Is there a normal life?
In the 1993 movie “Tombstone” Doc Holiday (played by Val Kilmer) comments on Wyatt Earp’s (played by Kurt Russell) desire to live a normal life. Are our expectations of how our life will go limiting our imagination and opportunities?
5. Find out what’s in your box of chocolates
In the 2000 movie “Forest Gump (played by Tom Hanks), Forest comments: Be ready to taste them all!
6. Accept that our lives are bound by each other
In the 2012 movie, “Cloud Atlas“, Ursula (the young one played by Laura Vietzin and the old one played by Susan Sarandon) says: Do you appreciate the impact of the relationships you have had with the people in you life? Or should you reconnect with some of them?
7. Wonder: Is anything free?
In the 2012 remake movie, “True Grit“, Mattie Ross (played by Hailee Steinfeld) says: Coming from a 14 year old girl who is determined to avenge her father’s murder, that is a harsh message to accept. Visit the Film Doctor to better understand this quote. Are we willing to pay the bill for everything we do or don’t do?
8. Realize that the many are served by the few
In the 1982 Star Trek Movie, “The Wrath of Khan” Spock (played by Leonard Nemoy) and Captain Kirk (played by William Shatner) combine to say: There are real-life heroes living in our midst that do this every day. They humbly serve in our fire, police, emergency, and armed forces units. We should appreciate them or even become one of them.
9. Realize the need of alterations
In the 1985 western film, “Silverado“, Stella (played by Linda Hunt) states from behind her bar: She was standing on a ramp that she had installed since she was a bit shorter in height than most bartenders. Have you made any changes lately?
10. Understand that fear is the “mind-killer”
In the SyFy 1984 movie “Dune”, Paul Atreides (played by Kyle MacLachlan) is tested by a member of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood. The Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohiam (played by Sian Phillips) applies nerve-induced pain. As Paul endures this test, he says to himself: Let’s face our fear the way Paul did! Featured photo credit: Genea-Musings via 4.bp.blogspot.com
