SAN DIEGO, January 14, 2013 - Seeing “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” at the local cinema seemed like a fun and relaxing activity for a post-holiday Saturday.
It was an amazing 3-D experience, replete with interesting characters, creativity, and splendor.
The movie is far more than a clever film, leaving watcher spell-bound and genuinely moved. Viewers find themselves completely absorbed, tearful at the near dismemberment of Thorin Oakenshield as he courageously battles the treacherous Azog and giddy over the hilarity that ensues when the trolls try to roast the dwarves for dinner!
Beyond the literary genius of J.R.R. Tolkien and the obviously spectacular filmmaking of Peter Jackson, why is this movie so compelling?
“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is a hyperbole of life, beautifully clothed in childhood fantasy. Though it was easy to become swept-up by the characters, story, and costumes, the deeper art of the film is in how it reflects the drama of our lives with its portrayals of love and friendship, enemies and hate, brotherhood and betrayal, victory and loss, hope and passion, and other examples of real life paradox. The movie portrays continuous twists, turns, challenges, battles and other storylinesbringing viewers back to the basic principles for successfully navigating one’s cycles of life in a positive way.
This unexpected cathartic experience is an invitation for us to further view the richness and fullness of our own lives. Refer to the following Successful Living Checklist as a guidepost for successfully going through life and its many cycles.
Successful Living Checklist
- Reject ageism
- Strong self-esteem
- A well-defined inner compass
- Have a purpose in life
- Close loving ties, family, and friends
- Mental toughness
- Acceptance of life’s ups and downs
- Put loss and grief in perspective
- Give to charitable causes and to others
- Strong ethics and personal integrity
- Take personal responsibility for the quality of your life
- Gratitude for the good and not-so-good
- Overlook the negative and embracing the positive
- Face life realistically without losing your sense of wonder and discovery
- Choose to be happy despite life’s imperfections
- Know your dreams and passions
- Be able to sometimes say no
- Do activities you truly enjoy in balance with your responsibilities
- Practice healthy eating habits on a consistent basis
- Care for your mind, body, and spirit
- Experience growth by working through the painful aspects of life
- Settle for nothing less than what will make you truly healthy
- Resilience in the face of any challenge
- Pick yourself back up no matter what
Take a few minutes to reflect on how the themes in this film resonate with you and your own checklist for successful living. Though you likely do not live in Middle Earth, you might relate with the portrayal of Bilbo’s transformational character, Thorin’s unrelenting courage, Gandalf’s wonder and magic, the treachery in Azog’s disdain and determination, and so much more in the amazing “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.” As we continue sharing LifeCycles together, I truly wish for all of us to continue being inspired, motivated, and delighted in a positive and transformational way.
Until next time, enjoy the ride in good health!
Laurie Edwards-Tate, MS, is President and CEO of At Your Home Familycare in San Diego, California. In addition to her positions as entrepreneur, health care executive, educator, radio segment contributor and media guest, Edwards-Tate is also a wife, daughter, and dog lover. Read more LifeCycles in the Communities at The Washington Times. Follow At Your Home Familycare on Facebook and on Twitter @AYHFamilycare.
Copyright © 2013 by At Your Home Familycare
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