When I hear several people saying "I refuse to go see that movie!" adamantly, I privately lean towards the conversation to see why they are so against whatever movie they're discussing. Sometimes I agree with their thought process, but I have to tell you, it's rare.
My mom will tell you I was born stubborn. I don't like to be told what to do, how to think, etc. Don't misunderstand, I minded my manners when I was growing up, and I followed the rules at school. Most of the time.
When a friend says to me, "you will hate this movie don't go see it", I have to know why. If it's really just based on their likes and dislikes, and it still sounds intriguing to me, I'm going to see the movie.
When I first heard about Eat, Pray, Love it was through a book recommendation from my sister. I really was listening, but at the time didn't make a concentrated effort to purchase the book. I seem to have this running list going in my head, "I want to do this, see that, go there, read this, buy that, hear this" etc. It's endless, and sometimes fills my head with so many thoughts I'm left with, "if I don't start writing this down it's not going to happen".
So I didn't buy the book. And still haven't, but, I will very soon. I will remain steadfast in my idea, that the book is always better, and should be read before the movie is viewed. But I stepped outside the box and watched the movie first this time.
I was with friends getting ready to watch the movie, and I remember thinking, "open your mind Tiffany". It seemed as though when the movie was released the reviews were mixed. There are actually quite a few people that refused to go see it. But I will say this, those that loved it really loved it. I just wanted to have my own opinion, so I cleared all thought, and pushed play.
My friend told me that the movie made them "want to make some big changes in their life". I've seen many movies that made me want to travel. This one was no exception. I'm not in an unhappy marriage, I'm not unhappy at all really. It's rare actually for me to be not content. Yes I'm the "count your blessings" type, I'm not unhappy to report that to you. But who wouldn't want to go to a different country, live like they do, eat like they do, and breathe in their culture? *I'm raising my hand*. I don't want to stay forever, I just want to go.
Okay, so.......a married woman realizes how unhappy her marriage really is, and that her life needs to go in a different direction. After a painful divorce, she takes off on a round-the-world journey to "find herself".
I think this happens quite often doesn't it? Um no. Unfortunately a lot of marriages do end in divorce. People find themselves unhappy in their marriage and they don't know what to do about it. Etc etc etc.
But not many people have the luxury of taking off on a spiritual journey to the likes of Italy, India and Bali. But let me tell you this: it.made.me.want.to.GO.
When Elizabeth Gilbert came to learn her lessons and understand herself, and forgive herself at the end, she summarized her thoughts as these, labeling them "The physics of the Quest":
If you're brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting, which can be anything from your house to bitter, old resentments, and set out on a truth-seeking journey, either externally or internally, and if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue and if you accept everyone you meet along the way as a teacher and if you are prepared, most of all, to face and forgive some very difficult realities about yourself, then the truth will not be withheld from you.
I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this movie, but I did.
We don't have all of the answers, do we? I don't think so. But I think most of us are on a quest to find them.
I think the real key is, the answers to which questions? Isn't the question more important than the answer?
See you soon friend,
Tiffany
PS I really think an Italian breakfast is in order soon. If we can't get to Italy just yet, my kitchen will have to suffice. How about Lemon and Basil Eggs over Foccacia? go here http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/lemon-and-basil-eggs-over-foccacia-recipe/index.html
4 comments:
I *still* have "read this book" and "watch this movie" on my list! I think mom has the book, I need to borrow it.
:-)
I really want to read the book! I have a feeling she didn't bring it with her, but I wanted to get it anyway. My to do list keeps growing, gah! =)
I loved the book and the movie. Elizabeth Gilbert is an amazing writer (she has a speech online about creativity that blows my mind too and makes me so happy!)
It had been a while since I'd read the book, so I wasn't bothered by differences or things left out. I love Julia Roberts no matter what she does. And I love that it ends happy, because real life memoirs so often don't end that way. I have a friend who says "Committed", which is kinda the sequel to the first book - is also beautiful and mind-blowing. I bought it but haven't read it yet.
One interesting part for me really requires more than a blog comment to explain. But it was intriguing to me that she was so happy and fulfilled in Italy then got so deflated in India! For me, and this is a reach, it was evidence that perhaps God likes to meet us while we're living, even more than he is willing to meet us when we escape life to try and find him. If that makes any sense.
Serenity. You are brilliant. I'll be discussing this idea more with you during girls club. Stay tuned.
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