Embracing the Adventure: Lessons from Walter Mitty
People who are close to me know that I LOVE “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” It is more than just a movie to me; it’s a tapestry of dreams and aspirations that resonate deeply with my soul. So, here are some lessons that I would like to share with you and why I loved it so much. Spoiler alert!
I, like Walter Mitty, have often found myself daydreaming about epic adventures, longing for a break from the mundane routines of life. Walter, a seemingly unremarkable photo processor, escapes into fantasies of grand exploits because he feels too scared and socially awkward to take bold steps in reality. His life is a series of unnoticed sacrifices and responsibilities, much like many of us who juggle duties and dreams, waiting for a moment to break free.
Walter’s story is painfully relatable. Supporting his mother and sister, he took on the mantle of responsibility at a young age after his father’s sudden death. This burden shaped his life into a predictable pattern, one that many of us know all too well. But when an important photo negative goes missing — a symbol of his stagnant life — Walter decides to embark on a real adventure to find it. From shark encounters in Greenland to volcanic eruptions in Iceland, his journey is both literal and metaphorical, pushing him to discover the true essence of living.
In a particularly transformative encounter, Walter meets Sean O’Connell, a legendary photographer who embodies the freedom and fearlessness Walter craves. Sean’s philosophy of living in the moment, appreciating the present without the need to capture it for posterity, resonates deeply with me,
— It’s a reminder that life’s perfect moments often pass by unnoticed if we are too busy trying to preserve them instead of experiencing them.
Walter’s journey, like Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, teaches us that what we seek is often within us all along. The elusive photo, which turns out to be a tribute to Walter himself, hidden in a wallet given by Sean, symbolizes the realization that we possess the strength and value we search for in the outside world.
Reflecting on Walter’s story, I see parallels in my own life and the lives of many others. We meticulously plan, save, and dream, often overlooking the present in pursuit of a future that seems perpetually out of reach. Walter’s adventures remind us that life is about more than financial security and societal expectations; it’s about the richness of experiences and relationships.
Walter’s growth is not just about the adventures he undertakes, but about his transformation from a passive dreamer to someone who takes action. This also resonates with my own journey. I’ve spent years balancing responsibilities, dreaming of the day I could break free and live authentically. His story inspires me to seize opportunities, embrace uncertainty, and live fully.
However, the movie also touches on a harsh reality. Despite his newfound confidence and adventurous spirit, he faces the sobering truth of unemployment and financial instability. His story ends on a bittersweet note, highlighting the struggles that come with following one’s dreams. This is a reminder that while chasing our passions is vital, it’s also important to be pragmatic.
For many of us, the fear of financial insecurity keeps us tethered to unfulfilling jobs. Walter’s tale is a call to find a balance between our dreams and our realities. It encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, even if the outcome is uncertain. Like Walter, I’ve learned that the courage to embark on our own adventures, no matter how small, can lead to profound personal growth.
Well, I guess that’s all. I might not be saying this enough but The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is more than a movie to me; it’s a mirror reflecting our, if not, my deepest desires and fears. It’s a thought-provoking movie of my own existential purpose and it also challenges me to find the courage to step out and live authentically, appreciate the present, and understand that while not all dreams may lead to material success, they enrich our lives in ways that money cannot measure. It’s also a reminder that our true potential might lies just beyond the horizon of our fears.
So, for those of you who haven’t watched it, I suggest you find some time to watch it because it’ll be leaving soon from Netflix (fyi). I’m sure, you’ll love it!
With love,
R
