For those whose current financial situation makes even watching It’s a Wonderful Life and its depleted bank story a bit tough this year, I have a suggestion for light entertainment that is surprisingly rife with life lessons. It’s a movie called The Holiday that was written by Nancy Meyers and was released in 2006.
I’m not sure if it was the life coach, the writer or the optimist in me that liked it best, but the story and its undercurrent spoke to me so. It is truth-filled fiction and it takes place at this time of year, which is always so loaded with joy, sadness, promise, introspection and, if we let it in, even a touch of magic.
The story is about two women who have never met, Amanda (played by Cameron Diaz) and Iris (Kate Winslet), who switch homes for two weeks in December. Both are seeking escape from a broken relationship and so Amanda goes to the snowy English countryside and Iris finds herself in Amanda’s spacious home in sunny California.
Therein lies the first lesson – Sometimes there is nothing like a change of scenery to change your perspective. Yes, sometimes escapism is good.
As the movie progresses, Amanda meets Graham (played by Jude Law) and there comes a point where she has to make a decision about seeing him again. It sets up one of those moments in life where you can either take a chance or let an opportunity go. That’s lesson no. 2 – Take a chance on something risky because it just might go your way.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Iris reaches out to an elderly neighbor and an enriching friendship develops. This third one’s a no-brainer, but sometimes we need reminding – Go out of your way to be kind, just because.
Simultaneously, Iris meets Miles (Jack Black) and thanks to the influence of the aforementioned neighbor, begins to establish a sweet rapport with him. Separately, but yet somehow together, they do what so many of us need to learn to do in this fourth lesson – Let go of unhealthy relationships, regardless of how difficult. To do this effectively, Iris learned a powerful bonus lesson – Cultivate gumption and it will take you far.
Back in snowy England, Amanda makes a sweeping assumption about Graham’s life based on a few circumstantial facts. She turns out to be wrong. So I reiterate what my college journalism professor said many times in lesson No. 6 – Don’t assume. It makes an ass of ‘u’ and ‘me.’
For all four main characters, there is a journey of self-awareness happening as the story unfolds. Each is expressed in very different ways. For example, Amanda hears a “this is your life” deep male voice set to music that frustrates her and prompts her into action. Lesson No. 7? Be self-aware and your life will be markedly more vivid and meaningful.
Despite all the logic and joy and pain that bring the film to its neat ending, there is that sense that the viewer has witnessed a miracle. That’s why the eighth lesson is simply this – Embrace magic.
I share all of this with some measure of humility, as my mother had been trying to get me to watch The Holiday for months before I finally relented. She compares Jude Law’s performance to a mischievous Steve McQueen. Since watching it, I’ve been surprised to hear the reactions of friends when I ask about it.
“Was Jude Law mesmerizing in that or what?” one friend asked, wide-eyed and smiling.
Yes, indeed.
This is a wonderful movie any time, but this particular year, in this particular season, it feels like an especially welcome antidote. Perhaps there’s one more lesson:
Watch what makes you feel fantastic, even for a few hours.
Nancy Colasurdo is a practicing life coach and freelance writer. Her Web site is www.nancola.com. Please direct all questions/comments to FOXGamePlan@gmail.com.
It takes practice to make a good presentation
Give the Gift of Pajamas
Time Can Be a Heck of a Gift
Traverse slowdown costs Columbia supplier 110 jobs
