And just like that, two weeks of holiday bliss has passed me by again. This time I got to do all of the things that I had set out to do at the beginning of the break. I read a novel, binge watched entire an TV series and saw some terrific movies, painted at the easel, went for a walk everyday, slept in, caught up with a some friends, chilled out with my kids, did yoga and meditation everyday, drank some good whiskey, replanted by garden beds and vegetable patch and just breathed in all of the fabulousness that a fortnight of respite can offer. For the first time ever, I did not run around, I did not make an extensive to do list, I did not chase anyone for a catch up; in fact I barely even left Enfield unless I absolutely had to, and it was one of the most peaceful breaks that I have enjoyed in some time. Above all else, I rested and I rebooted myself for the final and undoubtedly busiest term of the year which is probably the most important thing to do at this stage of the year.
Finding grace and calm during the busier times of the year is always a challenge, so setting yourself up correctly at the launch pad is always a very wise choice. In 2007, Randy Pausch (a professor from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who had terminal cancer) made a final lecture, entitled Last Lecture, about the most important lessons that he had learned in his life. The lecture became an internet sensation, inspiring millions of people around the globe and spawned an international best-selling book that would be interpreted into 35 languages. In his lecture Randy eloquently says, among many other pearls of wisdom, "we cannot change the cards that we are dealt, just how we play the hand."
The most resilient and impressive leaders of our time have used this philosophy to stay the the course and to show courage in the face of adversity. The people that use the most challenging times of their lives as valuable teaching moments (for themselves or others) are the wisest and strongest people. And the bottom line is, that in the struggle, there is real growth. And even though I would love to swan around in downward facing dog and wander about the Enfield forest every other afternoon, that is not the only way that my soul is going to get fed. By avoiding all contact, challenge and confrontation I am not really stretching my boundaries as a person and I am not really fulfilling my potential to make a difference. The struggle is important, the struggle is valuable and the struggle is necessary.
So raise a glass to challenge, welcome some adversity into your life. Don't let it make you furious, let it keep you curious. Like I said in my previous writings, it's all about turning straw into gold and finding the joy in all states of being. Yes, there is a time for rest and relaxation, but there is also a time for action and progress and I recognise that the time for me to pick up my tools and continue with the work at hand has arrived, and I feel like I am ready and recharged for the task ahead. This time, I welcome the return.
Finding grace and calm during the busier times of the year is always a challenge, so setting yourself up correctly at the launch pad is always a very wise choice. In 2007, Randy Pausch (a professor from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who had terminal cancer) made a final lecture, entitled Last Lecture, about the most important lessons that he had learned in his life. The lecture became an internet sensation, inspiring millions of people around the globe and spawned an international best-selling book that would be interpreted into 35 languages. In his lecture Randy eloquently says, among many other pearls of wisdom, "we cannot change the cards that we are dealt, just how we play the hand."
The most resilient and impressive leaders of our time have used this philosophy to stay the the course and to show courage in the face of adversity. The people that use the most challenging times of their lives as valuable teaching moments (for themselves or others) are the wisest and strongest people. And the bottom line is, that in the struggle, there is real growth. And even though I would love to swan around in downward facing dog and wander about the Enfield forest every other afternoon, that is not the only way that my soul is going to get fed. By avoiding all contact, challenge and confrontation I am not really stretching my boundaries as a person and I am not really fulfilling my potential to make a difference. The struggle is important, the struggle is valuable and the struggle is necessary.
So raise a glass to challenge, welcome some adversity into your life. Don't let it make you furious, let it keep you curious. Like I said in my previous writings, it's all about turning straw into gold and finding the joy in all states of being. Yes, there is a time for rest and relaxation, but there is also a time for action and progress and I recognise that the time for me to pick up my tools and continue with the work at hand has arrived, and I feel like I am ready and recharged for the task ahead. This time, I welcome the return.
THE DISASTER ARTIST
Release Date: 2017
Rating: M
Running Time: 114 mins
A biographical drama produced and directed by James Franco, who also plays the lead role of Tommy Wiseau in the movie. The Disaster Artist is based on Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell's 2013 non-fiction book of the same name and chronicles the making of Tommy Wiseau's 2003 film The Room, which is widely considered to be one of the worst movies to have ever been made.
19 year old Greg Sestero meets the mysterious and flamboyant character Tommy Wiseau at an acting class. A friendship is created and the two move to Los Angeles to pursuit acting careers together. After many failed auditions and casting attempts, Wiseau writes his own script entitled The Room and sets about making a movie himself.
With his unending money supply, his strange European accent, his unusual temperament and his incredibly mysterious approach to his actual age and heritage, Tommy Wiseau may well be one of the weirdest and most deluded characters that Hollywood has ever spawned; and it does make for some riveting (albeit disturbing) viewing.
The Franco brothers make a formidable team here, with both James and Dave showcasing their talent and ease with each other perfectly. They are well supported by Ari Graynor, Zac Efron, Seth Rogen, Alison Brie, Jackie Weaver and Paul Scheer to name but a few and the overall effect is humorously catastrophic from start to end.
FINAL SAY: Just because you want it doesn't mean it can happen.
4 Chilli Peppers
Release Date: 2017
Rating: M
Running Time: 114 mins
A biographical drama produced and directed by James Franco, who also plays the lead role of Tommy Wiseau in the movie. The Disaster Artist is based on Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell's 2013 non-fiction book of the same name and chronicles the making of Tommy Wiseau's 2003 film The Room, which is widely considered to be one of the worst movies to have ever been made.
19 year old Greg Sestero meets the mysterious and flamboyant character Tommy Wiseau at an acting class. A friendship is created and the two move to Los Angeles to pursuit acting careers together. After many failed auditions and casting attempts, Wiseau writes his own script entitled The Room and sets about making a movie himself.
With his unending money supply, his strange European accent, his unusual temperament and his incredibly mysterious approach to his actual age and heritage, Tommy Wiseau may well be one of the weirdest and most deluded characters that Hollywood has ever spawned; and it does make for some riveting (albeit disturbing) viewing.
The Franco brothers make a formidable team here, with both James and Dave showcasing their talent and ease with each other perfectly. They are well supported by Ari Graynor, Zac Efron, Seth Rogen, Alison Brie, Jackie Weaver and Paul Scheer to name but a few and the overall effect is humorously catastrophic from start to end.
FINAL SAY: Just because you want it doesn't mean it can happen.
4 Chilli Peppers
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