Finding Reality in a Fantasy World

 Written by Contributor Writer Marie Nesbitt 

What if life could be like the movies? The handsome guy finds his way into your life, you get the promotion you’ve been waiting for and at the end of the day, you’re irrevocably happy. Ahhh, a person can dream, right?

Although life isn’t as cookie-cutter as that, our own personal story lines can find some connections to the movies we watch. Whatever you may be going through, there are feel-good movies out there to let you know everything will be alright. Here’s what some of my favorite movies have taught me about life, love and happiness:

Annie 

The sun WILL come out tomorrow

There will be times throughout your life when you think you’ve hit rock bottom. Maybe you broke up with your boyfriend or got fired from your job. Maybe you just received a bad grade on a test. No matter what the moment is, don’t let it define the next phase of your life.

We all have our moments of self-pity. In the moment, we may think that things could never get better. Instead of locking ourselves in our room and thinking it’s the end of the world, think of it as an opportunity to grow from. That’s not to say you shouldn’t wallow. It’s healthy to have a good cry and junk food binge. It’s a fact of life. But it shouldn’t keep you from being happy. Take the time to be sad, but know that tomorrow is a new day and better things are just around the corner.

13 Going On 30

Fall for the one who loves you, not the idea you wish you were

We all have had those awkward teenage years. The constant struggle of trying to fit in. Lusting after the cute boy that probably doesn’t know you exist. Wanting to grow up so fast so we could finally start living the life we dreamed about.

Whether you were the queen bee or the wallflower, we all had insecurities. “Maybe he’ll notice me if I change my hair or wear makeup. Maybe if I start dressing like so-and-so, I can join their group.” I’m sure we’ve all had those thoughts at some point. But thinking back, is it really worth changing who you are to achieve those things?

A relationship of any kind that is built on false pretenses will only end up hurting you in the long run. Instead of changing yourself to fit someone else’s standards, look for the people that will accept your quirks and love you for it.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Happiness is what you make of it

Think about the last time you were over-the-moon, deliriously happy. What made that moment so special? What is stopping you from achieving that level of happiness again?

Happiness does not have a set definition. There are no universal standards for happiness. It is not based off of how much money you have in the bank, your job title, your relationship status, etc. Only you can set the terms of your own happiness.

Life has its fair share of ups and downs, unexpected twists, things you have no control over. What you do have control over is how those events affect you. Only you have the ability to pick up the pieces and make changes in your life that will lead you back to happiness.

Don’t get caught up in the politics of life. Don’t be set on achieving “the next step”, whether it’s in your career, relationship, what have you. Always ask yourself – does this make me happy? If not, then it’s not worth it. Nothing is worth it if you’re not happy.