I recently rewatched the movie Hook. It is still one of my favorite movies. From the magical story of Peter Pan to the incredible acting by the late Robin Williams this movie always leaves me with a smile on my face. I have always loved the story of Peter Pan. As a child I dreamed of going to Neverland and fighting pirates with the Lost Boys. A place where I never grew up sounded like so much fun. When you're young growing up seems so boring and far off. A place that is filled with magic and adventure like Neverland sounds like a paradise for a child.
I always wondered why Neverland had such a big appeal. As a child things are so much simpler. Our futures are wide open and we aren't weighed down by the world. We can fly just like Peter Pan all with the power of a happy thought. Growing up comes with more responsibilities which can change your outlook on life. Neverland represents that freedom and innocence of a child. Growing up comes with all sorts of unknown variables that scare us. As we grow older we tend to lose that simple view of the world. Things like bills, politics, careers and school can get in the way. We become so distracted by everything else that we can’t just sit back and take in the world. Neverland is an escape from all that, its like hitting pause for a moment and just enjoying that moment. Its seeing the magic and goodness in everything around us. The world is an incredible place if only you take a moment to appreciate it.
A happy thought is all it takes to soar across the sky. I used to think thats actually all it took to fly but unfortunately I discovered that pixie dust you buy from the store doesn't have the same effect that it did in the movie. Though I have grown up since then I have never lost sight in that magic that I did as a child. Now magic is a relative term, it doesn't mean I believe in a magical world that children never grow up but rather I believe in what it represents. Happy thoughts can make you soar, there will alway be “pirates” in your life for you to face and the family that you choose is just as important as the one you were born into. Growing up doesn’t mean you have to lose sight of the potential the world has. Each person is beautifully unique and has a little bit of magic inside of them.
So don't forget about Neverland and how it made you feel. Take time and see the world for what it could be and always hold on to that perspective you had a child. The world is simple and beautiful and can be whatever you want it to be. The idea of Neverland doesn't have to be temporary. A really good friend of mine always reminds me that the world can be a magical place if only we believe. All it takes is a bit of faith, trust and pixie dust.
“To live will be an awfully big adventure.”
― J.M Barrie, Peter Pan
