A few weeks ago, I watched a movie called The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. To be honest, the main reason I wanted to watch it was because I liked its soundtrack on Spotify. But the movie touched me in a way I did not expect.
What starts out as an attempt to have something unique to put in his online dating website profile turns into the adventure of a lifetime for Walter Mitty. What he once could only daydream about, he sets out to do. He jumps off a helicopter, gets attacked by sharks, almost gets killed by a volcano, hikes the Afghan mountains, and pieces together some clues all in the attempt to track someone down. At first, Walter does it just so he can say he’s done something “different,” something “cool” in his life. But the cooler his adventure gets, the less the actual excitement of it all matters.
Walter thinks nobody cares about him or his life, but he doesn’t see the people that he’s helped and the difference that he’s made. He thinks his life has been boring and comparatively lame until he realizes it’s up to him to go seek adventure.
It’s not about being seen, it’s about living a beautiful life with what you have. It’s not about the grand adventure we go on, it’s about the thoughtful gifts we bring back for others. It’s not about being the big name in the company, it’s about working your hardest right where you are at. It’s about finding joy in the ordinary and sharing that joy with those within our influence. It’s about the smallest acts of kindness and good work ethic that make all the difference- even to just one person. It’s about living life to the fullest, even if you don’t know where to start.
The movie is humorous, it’s sweet, and it’s honest about life. And if you’re like me, it will leave you with a content smile on your face and a desire in your heart to go find adventure.