Sunday Journal: What’s on my mind?
Hi everyone! So lately things have been a mix of spice, sugar, honey, lemon and a little bit ginger for me. It’s like riding a rollercoaster where sometimes everything is smooth, and other times, there are a few bumps along the way. It’s like life can be a bit like a big big puzzle, with pieces that sometimes don’t fit together smoothly. Work, responsibilities, college and unexpected surprises can make things a bit tough. Despite the hustle and bunch of my daily life, I somehow remind myself that I will find a way to keep going, one step at a time.
And long days ago while I was alone in my room, I watched one of my favorite movie (again) by Ben Stiller called The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
In this movie Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller), a daydreamer lost in the vast landscapes of his imagination, resonates with so many of us. The battle between the mundane routine and the exceptional dreams that lurk in the corners of our thoughts is expertly portrayed in this movie. How often do we find ourselves yearning for more, yearning for adventure, in the midst of our seemingly mundane lives?
So many hopes, so many dreams, yet we frequently lack the bravery to make them come true. Some even willingly bury their big dreams deep inside for the sake of a safe and comfortable life. But what’s the reason, the answer? Walter Mitty will give the solution in this movie.
Walter barely has a life outside of going about his life as an employee of Life Magazine, a famous magazine whose pages include images of extraordinary occurrences. He has manage negative assets for 16 years, and in all that time, he has never once challenged himself to attempt something different and add some color to his life story. One day, he discovers a missing negative film belonging to the renowned photographer Sean O’Connell (Sean Penn). This particular photo was intended for the cover of the magazine. Encouraged by Cheryl (Kristen Wiig), a girl he secretly admires, Walter finally gathers the courage to embark on his own adventure.
He endeavors to find photographer Sean O’Connell and sets out on a journey that, until now, only existed in his imagination. Will Walter succeed in finding him? Is the adventure real, or is he merely experiencing it in his imagination?
The film opens with a quote that struck a chord deep within me: “To see the world, things dangerous to come to, to see behind walls, draw closer, to find each other, and to feel. That is the purpose of life.” It’s a reminder that life is an adventure waiting to unfold, and sometimes, we need to step out of our comfort zones to truly live. The film’s visual spectacle and poetic narrative prompt us to reflect on the beauty of the world around us. It’s a call to action, encouraging us to turn our daydreams into reality. Life, much like Walter’s journey, is about seizing the moment, embracing the unknown, and finding beauty in the unexpected. As we navigate the secret lives within ourselves, may we find the courage to rewrite our stories, to live with purpose, and to appreciate the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary moments.
Walter’s mantra, “Beautiful things don’t ask for attention,” is a gentle reminder that our personal victories don’t have to be huge to mean something. In a world that often glorifies the extraordinary, this movie encourages us to find beauty in the subtleties of our own lives, acknowledging that we have our own individual journeys, regardless of how simple they are, they are still valuable and worthy of celebration.
So the question for us is: Can we embrace the unknown and find bravery in the face of difficulty, just like Walter did? Is it possible for us to turn our daydreams into action plans when we know that the road may be difficult but eventually worthwhile?
Thinking back on Walter’s experience, I see how it resonates with the experience of my own life. I’ve learned the joy of embracing the remarkable within my everyday routines and unexpected adventures. Like Walter, I’ve discovered that courage frequently comes from taking that initial step into the unknown rather than constantly ascending those big mountains.
Thus, let us embrace a life that is not so ordinary, aim high those big dreams, and recognize the remarkable in what appears to be everyday. I take the spirit of Walter Mitty with me as this chapter comes to an end, a constant reminder that each day presents a fresh new start to us and the potential to build a life that is entirely our mine.
