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by (c) 2001 Julie Jordan Scott
Nestling into my cushy theater seat with Diet Coke and Popcorn in
hand, I prepared to observe the magnificent acting of Tom Hanks
in the film "Cast Away". Much of the story I had learned through
seeing previews, so I sort of knew the outcome even before buying
my ticket. What I did not recognize at the time were all the
messages underneath the surface of this tale as it gloriously unfolds.
"Cast Away" is also an inspirational study of using what we have to
creatively increase the quality of our life. Tom Hanks' character
observed what he had on the island and then utilized acquired knowledge
to not only survive on the island but also to find his way back home.
He designed tools, built structures, tested inventions, held scientific
experiments, created art, and manifested possibilities that at one
time seemed impossible. He took his time in order to make sure
the action he took had the greatest chance of success. He recognized
that in reality, he controlled nothing except for himself and his
outlook on the options in front of him.
What do you have in your life today?
What can you design, build, test, create and manifest?
What can you DO with what you HAVE?
You have 24 hours a day, that is something we all have in common.
Chances are you have a computer, since that is how you are accessing
this information. You have a certain level of education, you have
certain possessions.
Look around at these commodities with a new eye. How can you
use what you have differently? Think possibilities. Observe as a
person whose life depends on new ideas. Think of potential not in
the ordinary, instead in the extraordinary. Take your time. Use
what you have learned as far back as high school science or
elementary school art class. Think of the last time you had an in
service at work, what were some messages you can use there to
bring into form something new for yourself, your family, your
co-workers, your business.
Arthur Schopenhauer, Nineteenth Century Philosopher, observed
"Great minds are related to the brief span of time during which they
live as great buildings are to a little square in which they stand:
you cannot see them in all their magnitude because you are standing
too close to them." In "Cast Away" the main character had no choice
but to step back and look at life differently. His context completely
changed everything.
Today you can change your context without going anywhere. Simply
decide that you are going to step back and really look at those
things you have at your disposal. Once you have taken inventory,
take purposeful, deliberate action towards creating a fresh experience.
Develop unique paths. Craft an unexpected masterpiece. Live
passionately, today.
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