Happy Groundhog Day 2021
I will begin this week’s story by sharing my favorite scene from the movie “Groundhog Day” with Bill Murray. If you haven’t watched this movie, I will simply say, “Shame on You!” Your assignment for next week is to watch this movie. (There is the possibility of a pop quiz!) When the two main characters are sitting in a restaurant, a waiter drops a plate of dishes on the floor. One of the customers yells out, “Just put that down anywhere pal!” That quickly became one of our favorite family things to say whenever someone dropped anything. My proudest achievement is when Cassidy heard me say it once and immediately joined in the fun. After that, anytime someone dropped something, no matter where we were at, Cassidy and I would look at each other and say, “Just put that down anywhere pal!”
The message of the movie Groundhog Day was to point out the selfish qualities of the main character. He was continually stuck in Groundhog Day as long as his only focus was to find ways he could benefit himself. It wasn’t until he started to help other people that he was able to move forward. It was the only way he could be genuinely happy.
When I first watched this movie, I enjoyed the humor and slightly got the message which was, “Be nice to others.” As I have gotten older, this message of this movie has taken on a much larger and deeper meaning with me. It has taught me that no matter what situation you are dealing with, the best thing you can do is find a way to help other people. If you are trying to be successful in your career, do it by helping as many people as you can succeed. If you are going through a challenge with your family or friends, reach out and find a way to help them rather than try to have everyone understand your viewpoint. If you are struggling with a difficult personal situation, find someplace to volunteer and help other people. It will take your focus off your personal challenges, and help you appreciate all the good things you have in your life.
As I move forward with my life, I want to let everyone of you know how grateful I am for your love and support. It is because of you I am able to find and appreciate the blessings of true friendship. Thanks for reading.
Next week: Wrestling with a pig in the mud
P.S. The way I understand it, if the groundhog does not see his shadow, that means it will be an early spring. If the groundhog does see his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter. Well, I live in Idaho. Six more weeks of winter IS an early spring.