JUNE 10, 2022
One of my all-time favorite movies is “Forrest Gump.” Not just another tear-jerker for this cowboy, but one that can teach and remind us of the numerous lessons of life. It is the perfect movie to watch when you are in the mood for a little soul-searching and inspiration. We can all take something meaningful from this movie when we see the world through the eyes of Forrest Gump. Give it a try.
Several lessons I was reminded of from this movie include:
- Do what you love: You will more than likely not be very good at something unless you love it. This includes relationships.
- Don’t be afraid to try new things: Forrest was never insecure about trying something new and wasn’t afraid of failure, which can be a great lesson. No one is perfect. Especially when you are the first to try something, but sometimes you can surprise yourself by being good at it or even just enjoying a new hobby. (Like ping pong) Forrest was also not afraid to start a new conversation as we see him tell his story on the bus stop bench.
- Don’t take yourself too seriously: Even though he was called a fool, Forrest was always himself and wasn’t afraid of what other people thought of him. He was “Humble and Kind” and was genuine in all he did.
- Stay optimistic: Forrest was relentlessly optimistic, even when things were tough all around him. He looked on the bright side of life even if the characters around him hated it. He wasn’t worried about terrible things that were happening around him because he knew he would always be able to figure it out. He lived in a blissful state that may be over the top. But the sentiment is a good ideal to try to live up to.
- Pain can be channeled into something productive: When Jenny leaves him, Forrest starts running. He does it simply out of heartbreak. Notice, when times got tough, he took “Action.”
- Childhood trauma can stay with you for life: Jenny had a low sense of self-worth and attracted partners who didn’t treat her properly as a result. This can make it difficult to form strong relationships which are key to our souls.
- Intelligence isn’t everything: Someone can still be lovable and an important person without it. What Forrest lacked in intelligence, he made up for in kindness, loyalty, courage, and work ethic. You can’t help but fall in love with him.
- Money doesn’t make you happy: Forrest didn’t chase the almighty dollar and didn’t act the way most people do when he becomes financially rich. You could say he was rich in spirit with an “unselfishly” pure heart. (Unconditional Love)
- AND of course, one of the key messages from the movie;
- “Life is like a box of chocolates;” You never know what you are going to get in life. This lesson was passed down from his mama as Forrest never planned for unique experiences. “It happens.” (or ”_ _ i t happens”)
Want to spend a quiet evening or date night with those that you love? Grab a few Kleenexes and check out “Forrest Gump.” Look at the movie through Forrest’s eyes to see what wisdom, courage, self-mastery, and love are about. (Our Band of Brother’s Four Pillars) Be interested in other people and they just might help you along the way. Build strong relationships with those you love and finally, see the good in others even though you don’t agree with them. (Seek understanding rather than judgement) They are running their own race along with searching for their purpose and meaning in life, just like you and me.
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day; “I’m not a smart man. But I know what love is” (Despite all the time they spend apart, Forrest never stops being in love with Jenny) Who do YOU love?