People always seem to say, “life isn’t like the movies.” And you know what? I’ve always had a problem with that phrase, but never really thought about why.
Until now.
The Communication Studies major in me wants to defend that concept by saying how much movies set up unrealistic expectations for society, blah blah blah. I mean, obviously there is truth to that, considering the fact that I may or may not have fallen victim to wanting a vampire for a boyfriend at one point. And wanting to trade lives with someone across the globe. No big deal.
So, yes, I get it. Thinking that life is like the movies may in fact leave you feeling “let down” by real life. My problem with this thought process, though, is that it also makes real life seem a heck of a lot more boring and pointless than it really is.
Sure, life isn’t like what you see in the movies. But that doesn’t mean that it has to suck.
Look, I’m not trying to take away from the hardships and pain that are an inescapable part of our humanity. But I also think that we miss out on so much excitement and fulfillment in life by playing it too safe (myself very much included).
Go ahead and call me crazy, but I actually believe that some of the things that happen in the movies can happen in real life if we’d just be more open to them. You know, like talking to strangers. Not holding back words or tears or laughter. Not being so afraid of failure or what other people might think. I can’t help but think that it’s those actions that can result in the supposed “unrealistic” opportunities we think only movies have to offer.
Maybe I’m being overly optimistic. But you know what? I’d much rather err on that end of the spectrum than live a life of mediocrity. I don’t want to be the type of person who relies on movies to evoke passion within me. I want to be someone who carries passion for life around with me all day, every day.
If your life was a movie, what would the title be?
Oh my gosh… I am such a daydreamer that I ALWAYS think movies can be real! Always! it drives my husband crazy.
I totally agree! And I want to surround myself with positive people and experiences…because you only have one life….why not go all out?
My movie title would be: Infinite
ah what movie do I wish my life was? Serendipity. LOVE that movie. orrr pretty much anything that involves me making out with Ryan Renolds.
Hmm I will have to think a bit about the title but I DEFINITELY think it can be exciting and inspiring and movie-like! Nothing says life has to be boring, or rather, life should NEVER be boring if you are doing it right.
Love the photoshopped pic. This post reminds me of the Katy Perry song “Not Like the Movies.” It’s a good one.
love you. love this post. love you as Cameron
xoxoxox
Interesting point! I like the idea of actively making our lives more exciting by being open to the many opportunities that arise every day.
I agree that real life can be just as interesting as a movie! Life is what you make of it, afterall. And I love your attitude about living life to the fullest and not settling for mediocrity. Why should we? I know how amazing life can be, and I don’t want to settle either.
See, I tend to have the same way of thinking with “Sex and the City.” Can Carrie really afford 200 pairs of shoes and a fabulous rent-controlled apartment on the Upper East Side? Maybe not, but I believe there is such a thing as working hard, playing hard and surrounding yourself with the best girlfriends life has to offer. I believe in putting your heart out there because you only get one shot at life and I believe in never settling for less than butterflies. Call me crazy, but MANY life lessons can be learned from that show and I have no shame writing that.
Love this post, G! xo
I’m with you, Gracie! As daughters of the King, we get to be a part of the greatest story there is, so it’s time we act like it, yes?:-)
true that!!! xo
hahahaha…you’re too cute with the replacement photo =)
Hmm…that’s a tough question..what would my life be called… maybe “Life is Greener”…
Sometimes I’m glad life isn’t like the movies. I sure as heck wouldn’t want to live in Halloween or 2012 or anything with J. Lo.
hahaha good point
(although, I must admit that many of J.Lo’s movies are a guilty pleasure of mine!)
Hi Gracie! I’m finally coming out to introduce myself (i’m sorry I have been shy and holding back hah), I have been reading for the past month or so and absolutely adore your blog! I am 18 and live in Michigan. I just had to comment on this post because my bestfriend and I talk about this sort of thing sort of often. We kind of bump heads when we say life isn’t like the movies because i think yeah maybe we don’t all don’t live a fairytale, but I don’t believe that we should cut ourselves short either. Anything can happen in life, nothing is predictable. We are in charge of our lives and our happiness, no one else is. We can’t just say no it won’t happen because really their are no guarantees with anything. You just have to take one day at a time and enjoy the ride
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Hi Gina!! Thanks so much for this comment
I absolutely love your outlook!! xoxo
LOVE this! i think that life IS like the movies.. we just need to think about the wonderful and magical moments that we do have! they may not happen in a matter of a month like in the movies, but they DO happen
i wish everyone would see that!
Great post topic.
I totally agree. Yeah, maybe life isn’t EXACTLY like the movies, but I think if anyone looked back on their life so far they have had at least 1 “movie moment”. I know I definitely have had my fair share.
And I totally agree with you when you say “I’d much rather err on that end of the spectrum than live a life of mediocrity” - that’s exactly how I feel!
I always joke that life IS like a movie, or at least a sitcom. It seems like very ironic things always seem to happen to me. Like once I was going on a date with a guy and walk in to meet him and find my ex standing by the table talking to him (and I didn’t even know they knew each other). Things like that remind me of a movie where the most implausible thing happens just because it’d be funny.
love this! and totally agree….i think the older you get and the perspective you gain, you find that life can be like a movie/sitcom!
I certainly think life can be like the movies in some ways. They won’t be all the time, but I think we all have special moments and opportunities that are very movie like.
I guess I would name my life movie - Better and Better. My life just seems to keep getting better and better as I open myself up to true loves and passions. Plus, it helps to see the beauty in the smallest of things.
oh my gosh i would be in DEAR JOHN. but of course the ending would be MUCH happier!
I want to be in The Notebook…but I feel my life is more like a “He’s just not that into you” movie haha
All I know is my movie would be crazy - because I am.
You. Are. Amazing. I feel the SAME WAY about movies- they make us believe in the unexpected, in love, in the beauty of life. Not every day is thrilling, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a drag. Movies, books, music- they all remind us that every day has the potential to be life-changing and brilliant. And even if it’s not, there’s always tomorrow.
A title for my life? Good God. I don’t think that many adjectives could possibly fit onto a poster…
Oh and PS, I tried to watch the Holiday early this morning for a bit of R&R. And my copy is scratched or something because the whole thing skips. GAHHH!!
I didn’t even get around to watching it yesterday, haha. Movie/cookie date??
Wow, Cameran Diaz looks a LOT like you
I’m not a big fan of romantic comedies because of this very aspect, but I definitely agree that we could all use a big dose of passion to carry around with us!
i always put myself into movies and hope things come true
I think things CAN happen, like falling in love with a boy from across the globe (Spain, in my case). However, real life goes beyond the film’s ending onto real life, which isn’t always so easy (cultural and language differences, for instance).
I like the idea of at least trying to make our lives more like a movie! Even if I fail partially or miserably, at least the effort will make for interesting stories to tell!
Exactly!!! Perfectly put
I love your pictures in this post! They are too cute
I think everyone has at least one movie-worthy experience in their lives. I’ve had several! That’s where novelists and screen writers find their inspiration. Live really is beautiful - and shocking, and sad, and traumatic, and hilarious and ironic. I live my life like I’m the star of my own movie all the time. Makes it more fun
my life could totally be a movie.
there are things so weird and crazy and yet so mundane and trivial, that almost any day could be “move-worthy.”
great post!
Omg! I love this post!
I am exactly the same way. I am so glad you posted this, because now I realize I am not alone! I always beleive what happens in the movies can happen in real life. My friends always are so negative and its hard to be optimistic!
This is such a great point! We complain about our lives being boring, but yet we’re the ones who make them that way! If we want our lives to be exciting, we have to be the ones to start taking chances and living spontaneously.
I’ve had a few movie moments. I mean, movies can’t be SO different than real life other than the zombies-take-over-the-world type of things. Most corny love stories and what not are really likely and relatable.
I completely believe that real life can be like the movies. Living your dream is up to you
I concur!!!
I agree and found myself agreeing in particular with the talking to a stranger bit. There is a small danger in talking to a stranger, but for the most part I’ve found that you make a connection that you may not have expected.
Being OPEN is the key to my happiness!