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?
