Movies and Mirrors

We binge watch on Netflix. We were restless for theaters to reopen. There is something about movies that captivates our minds. Sometimes it’s an escape from reality. Sometimes it’s a fun way to socialize with friends.We are transported to middle earth or a galaxy far, far away. We live vicariously through heroes and heroines. We have adventures, foil enemies and fall in love again and again along with the characters on screen.

More than anything perhaps, we experience our common humanity through film. We see ourselves, the best parts of us (and sometimes the worst parts, too). We are the nobodies who become the heroes, like Luke Skywalker. We’re the misfits who find a place to belong, like Harry Potter. We’re the lonely who find true love like, well, every rom-com ever. 

Movies are a mirror of the world, sometimes as it is, more often as we wish it was. It’s like the fun house mirror that makes us appear tall and thin (my favorite mirror, yours may differ).

So next time you enjoy a movie, think about what that movie tells you about yourself and those around you. That doesn’t mean that every movie will be light and bright and cheerful. We can be inspired by “Schindler’s List'' as much or more than “Pollyanna”. Does it inspire you to love more deeply, to live more courageously, to grow wholeheartedly?

My brother reminded me of a line from “As Good as It Gets” recently. “You make me want to be a better man.” And that says it all.

If you want help becoming the person you would like to be, give me a call. 832-534-3624

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Tammy J Cover, MS, LPC specializes in helping people recover from traumatic experiences. Whether combat, sexual assault, relationship trauma or medical trauma, Tammy can help you process and heal from traumatic stress. For more info about Tammy check out her ABOUT page.