I won’t pretend this is an Oscar worthy nod. And this is not in any way a critique of the movie.
Ironically, I took something different away from this movie than just the fact that it was an odd flick. I’m not going to give away spoilers, and I’m not advocating that you run out and watch it either. What I am recommending is that you look to what it actually offers.
The movie stars Brie Larson (Marvel’s “Captain Marvel”) as well as Samuel L. Jackson (Marvel’s “Nick Fury,” Pulp Fiction star, Shaft, and pretty much an amazingly awesome guy I’d love to hang out with over a cup of coffee).
The story centers around Brie’s character Kit, who wants to be an artist. And when the art school she admires crushes her hopes by not liking her sense of expression, then she moves back in with Mom and Dad. Over time she takes a job as a temp, where her entire day is spent photocopying. Along the way, she begins to receive messages inviting her to a store, and it’s a store nobody ever heard of. She finally does go, where the salesman (Jackson) tells her he’s getting her a unicorn, which she’s always wanted. This will take faith on her part. She has to take the steps to prepare to receive her unicorn, which of course is faith in something that adulthood has told her won’t happen, because, well, it’s a unicorn.
Again, no spoilers. But it got me thinking. What if…
What is my unicorn?
We all have unicorns, and there is an inherent beauty that our unicorns do exist, if we believe and take action. No, of course I’m not talking about a mythical creature, but I am referencing the hopes and dreams that do not come to light because we have convinced ourselves that they won’t.
I want things in life, for me, for my family, for the world itself. And what I’ve seen is that I’ve so mired myself in the thoughts of why don’t I make enough money, what am I doing wrong raising the kids, and all the negatives, that I’m missing the setup that will make life actually get better. See, no matter what you believe, the universe is out there, and it’s full of energy, and whether you see the energy of the universe as God, or Mr. Universe, or whatever you call it, that energy is active.
Energy is drawn to similar energy, so the thoughts in my head determine what similar energy is returned to me. What if it’s true?
I look at the facts of my life, and I have to wonder if the worry and the hurt and the feelings of inadequacy are the root cause of things not getting better like I want. I wonder if those thoughts, deeply planted in my subconscious, are the root of my shortcomings.
What if…
What if I redirected my thoughts to a more positive energy flow ahead of time? The universe hears what energy we send out, and if it kicks back what it hears, then there is a major difference between the following:
- Why can’t I get out of debt (the real message is that I’m mired in debt)
vs
- I am debt free (it hasn’t happened yet, of course, but that’s the affirmation)
What’s the difference?
The difference is that I’m deciding consciously to focus on the positives. I am making a choice to be happy in advance. If I wait for happiness by simply trying to fix problems, I’m only going to bring more problems. If I choose to be happy now, that’s where the change comes. I am happy regardless of the circumstances around me.
Circumstances come and go. My choice on how to handle them is my main power and control point.
When times are tight, be happy and look for ways to create the reality I want around me.
When people are hurting, be happy and look for ways to use my ability to help them.
Recently, I watched a TED talk on happiness. And the young lady mentioned that giving just to give didn’t make her feel as great. When she focused on others, it raised her bar. She enjoyed it and found happiness.
Do things for yourself. Live a little. Focus on happy. Focus on joy. Focus on positives. Don’t wallow in what isn’t. Look to what can be.
I’ve been using positive affirmations for over a week now, and I can tell you that although life hasn’t drastically changed, I’ve felt better than I have in awhile.
I’ll post shortly on the affirmations and how I’m using them in my life.
I can’t encourage you enough. Don’t pretend you don’t have problems. Don’t ignore them. Money, relationships, whatever it is, things do happen. We still have to deal with reality. But choose happy. Choose to see your future as happy, and you will likely find that your positive outlook will attract more positive. And you will find that the solutions that come to your head will be geared toward a path that makes you feel better and more optimistic.
So where is my unicorn?
Let me ask, does it matter?
It’s not the destination, it’s the journey ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
What is it you really want? Money? Power? A beautiful relationship? Money doesn’t by happiness. Power can just make us targets. Relationships are not just objects to possess.
See, money only works if you live life using it. Do you go places, give to others, or fund life changing advances?
Power rules, but to what extreme. It can make you a target for those who disagree, and I challenge anyone to run for a US government office without their life ripped apart. The best don’t do it for power. They do it to make a difference in the lives of others.
Relationships? I love my wife. We have a beautiful relationship. I’m not perfect (neither is she). The beauty of the relationship isn’t that we are married. It’s not that we have kids and dogs. The beauty of the relationship is the daily journey together. Some days are better than others. But we envision every day, from now until we have wheelchair races around the old folks home in the future. And it’s the journey that makes the difference.
I don’t need a unicorn. I choose a great journey and the experiences along the way. Because that’s the point of it all. Life is meant to be lived day by day. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. So set your thoughts positive and see what the world has to offer you.
