Forest Gump
So, I recently decided to rewatch a classic, Forest Gump. I had't watched it in what seemed like forever which made sense in my mind as it is a 3 hour commitment ha. This time watching though I came away with a few things that made me reflect a bit. Here's some ramblings from my brain about a classic movie, let's talk.
#1 - Shit happens - So, good old Forest is out yogging across the US when a bumper sticker salesman comes alongside him. He is asking for advice on what he could put on a sticker to sell and Forest replies with "shit happens" (in reality there's a convo and back and forth, so don't yell at me for. not being exact) The lesson is control what you can control and even then... shit happens. Some things happen in our lives and we don't know exactly why or where they come from. We all are living and experiencing a unique perspective and life. Sometimes even when we plan everything out or do all the "right" things, life doesn't always go the way we had hoped. Which leads me to #2.
#2 - Just keep running - While forest began his trek after Jenny left he said "I just felt like running... and then i kept on going". I think that often times we forget the importance of time, effort, and consistency. This 3 headed recipe is often the path to our goals. Yet we often get sidetracked or stopped short due to other things in our lives. The problem we often struggle with is we have these setbacks, but stop "running". Not that running is the actual goal. although that may be one you're pursuing, but that whatever it is we're trying to pursue we lose sight of after shit happens and we forget to just keep running.
#3 - Unexpected surprises can come in unexpected places - I think this is the one of the main points in the movie as Forest is telling his story (point #5). He gets involved in and goes after a bunch of different things from college football to owning a shrimping boat. I think we often times have an idea of what we should be or what we should accomplish in our lives. I think rather, that we should focus on all opportunities. Things that we may have thought would not interest us or things that we never saw ourselves doing cross our paths more often than we think. Be open to new ideas, perspectives, and opportunities because you never know what you will end up doing or where you will end up going. Unexpected surprises can come in unexpected places.
#4 - Be kind - I have been listening to this motivational Joe Rogan speech compilation thing (wow beautifully said matt) on days when i wake up early and have to run. In the 12ish minute schpeeel he repeats often be kind to others, in reference to the golden rule in the bible. Treat others the way you want to be treated. So, it was kind of funny how after hearing that a whole bunch this last week I decided to watch this movie. This theme reciprocates throughout the entirety of the movie in that Forest approaches everyone with kindness. So, often we forget how little things make the big things and often times that can start with a simple act of kindness. A soft smile to a stranger, a "how are you?" to a friend, a hold the door open for someone walking in. We could all benefit from a bit more kindness in our lives.
#5 - We've all got a story - Woof. This. I hear so much from JP (Jordan Peterson) that if you actually listen to people they'll tell you many things, including possibly, their story. I think that so often we don't take time to actually listen and ask deep engaging questions (always working on this). The basis of the entirety of the movie is simply Forest telling his story to whoever would listen. He was an unsuspecting character that shared an eloquent story about the summation of his experiences. I think that what we can take away is all people have a story to tell, sometimes they just need someone to listen.
#6 - All things come to an end - I don't want to end on a morbid note, so I hope you don't take this title in a negative way. I think something that we have to find peace with is the cycle of existence. I heard a quote recently, "the only thing an old man can say to a young man is, it goes fast... the tragedy is that the young man will never believe him." The understanding that life is short and that your time is worth far more than you think, which means the things you DO and DON'T do are FAR more important than you think. So, spend the extra dollar for the experience, stay up a little later for that friend you haven't seen, savor the moments that make you feel. Life comes to an end, but all that means is to enjoy it while you can. (here comes the cliche, insert eye roll) Its about the journey, not the destination. We never know when its our time to hop off the train.
On purpose,
Matt
