Right off the bat, I'll let it be known that I am, indeed, an old movie fanatic. Sometimes scenes shown in black and white have more color than scenes that display every single one on the spectrum.
All movies have the ability to be amazing, but I've always noticed that looking back to the ones that came first -- the ones that started an entire mindset -- gives me a whole headful of amazing things to reflect on. The characters in these films have taught me some pretty important lessons.
I'm always amazed at how great, cheesy, romantic, and wild older movies are, and I wanted to take a minute to share what I've learned from a few.
These aren't all going to be "the classics," but they will have classic meaning. Here are some of the lines that I will always keep around when trying to live life to the fullest:
1. "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"
-- Clarence, It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Let those that you love know you love them to the absolute extreme. Nothing is too cheesy or sappy unless you make it so. Radiate what you've got, and give the people you get so much from the same type of appreciation you would want to receive. We're not here forever, but we can sure make a mark on those people that are going to be with us forever. Remember to show how much you care, always.
2. "Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment."
-- Michael Corleone, The Godfather: Part III (1990)
I'd be lying if I said that The Godfather movies aren't some of my favorites. Now, that doesn't mean I stand for anything going on in them but, man, they're awesome films. You know what else is awesome? This line. Don't waste your time giving grief because you feel as if someone sincerely deserves it. Maybe they do, maybe they don't. Either way, it clouds your own perspective, your own personality, and what you stand for. Actions can speak louder than words, but kind actions tend to be regarded more highly than hurtful ones. Bring yourself up without having to bring others down while doing so.
3. "Watch out about choosing your pals. You know what I mean? Don't let 'em choose you."
-- Frank Stark, Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
I'm blessed to be able to say that I have friends who make me laugh until I cry. These are the same friends that know exactly what to do if I'm crying from something that wasn't very funny. Think about whom you surround yourself with, and make sure that you feel nothing but happiness and positivity from these individuals.
Life is hard, but one perk is the amazing relationships that come out of it. Don't ever get caught up in trying to fit in with someone or something you're not. You are you for a reason, and you get every say in who you let be in your life. Make sure your voice is the loudest in the mind that matters most when forming these friendships (aka yours)!
4. "I just want them to know that they didn't break me."
-- Andie, Pretty in Pink (1986)
It is certain that life will knock you down. Things aren't designed to be fair, but as people, we can be designed to make sure we play fair if we have to play at all.
Not everyone in the world has the same views, opinions, and beliefs. There will be times that you will feel hurt from another person, and you might not know what to do with yourself. However, make sure you let the world know that you are here, and you are here for a reason.
You're going to stick around, and you'll do one hell of a job letting it be known that you will do so in the most respectable way. Be the bigger person than anyone that has ever made you feel small, and remember that everyone -- everyone -- has felt small before.
5. "You ought to spend a little more time trying to make something of yourself and a little less time trying to impress people."
-- Richard Vernon, The Breakfast Club (1985)
I'll leave you with a final quote that I always have to remember for myself. There is one version of me, and I plan on making it the best one anyone has ever seen. I do this because I want to make myself feel good, not everyone around me. My happiness comes before anyone else's, and I constantly make sure that I keep that guideline in check.
I want to make the world brighter, bigger, and better. Absolutely no one has the ability to do this in the best form and manner if they are not being their true selves. We don't have time to waste in trying to be something we're not, so why not spend all our time trying to be our personal best and see everything in the best possible way?
