Tuesday, November 2, 2010

groundhog day


Last week I watched Groundhog Day, for what was probably the trillionth time. It is a really wonderful, classic film.

I guess there is a lot that you can take away from it. The themes are intertwining and ever-lasting: self-improvement, prioritising, generosity, the pursuit of happiness, and all that.

This time, what really spoke to me was, how much we can fit into a day. I mean, if we truly fill our days to the brim, there is so much that we can do and achieve. Every single day is a fresh opportunity to learn something new, initiate a friendship, foster a skill, make a difference in somebody else's life... fall in love. Do something truly great. 

That realisation (or lack thereof) is something I really struggle with. I tend to embroil myself in a downward spiral, day after day, allowing the previous day's mood, worries and ennui to colour what happens the next... rather than nurturing the awareness that everyday is a completely blank slate, yet another chance to start anew (to break through walls we have built around ourselves; to change whatever needs changing; to dream; to take the next step; to cherish the beauty all around us).

“Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.”
— Siddhārtha Gautama

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yet another beautiful post from you Laura! Coincidentally, I taped Groundhog Day on foxtel IQ last week, and can't wait to watch it in full (which I've never done).

Anonymous said...

I love what you took away from and it really is a good lesson...Past errors and feelings really should be left in the past...each day is filled with new opportunities and feelings, don't let the past drag you down...

Sarah Tabitha said...

Laura, this is such a wonderful post. I love it - it is so refreshing and true! You know a bit about what I've been through lately, and reading that just makes so much sense to me and just what I needed to hear. Thank-you :-)

Anonymous said...

Great reminder to look at each day as if it were a fresh start. You're right, we let previous days and events taint our future far too often. Beautifully written as usual. :)

Kimberley said...

I've never seen it! It always seemed like a terrible 80's movie but they way you descroibted it makes me feel that I was wrong.I am struggling lately to fit enough things into my day, I seem to spend a lot of time on the computer looking at nothing instead of doing many more productive things (namely studying, reading, exercising, ect). The days just slip past and I feel like I have achieved nothing.
Perhaps this will have to be added to our movie night! xxx

Laura Valerie said...

Thank you Belle! Please let me know if you like it :) It took me a few views to really appreciate it (it's not the prettiest or sweetest film around) so it wasn't until it was kind of ingrained in me that I grew to love it.

Beautifully said Julie :)

Thank you Sarah, my pleasure!

That is so lovely of you to say DDI :)

Thank you Kimberley, I feel exactly the same way! I think you'd like it :) xx