You know that one friend that is obsessed with a certain movie or TV show that you have never seen but they keep talking to you about? Think about how little you know about that program. You have no opinion on it because you’ve never seen it. You can’t judge it without watching it. You can’t understand it without seeing it.

Now think about this: we are all living in our own movies. Your eyes are the lenses and you are watching yourself, the main character, go about your journey in your own world, with your own thoughts, and an entire cast of additional characters.

Thinking about the world in this way renders a few very important revelations about life.

1. If you've never seen a movie, you don't know what that movie is about.

Don’t assume to know someone else’s life. You aren’t watching the same movie; you’ve never seen their movie. The same way you wouldn’t presume to know what is going on in a TV show you’ve never seen, you can’t make assumptions about someone else’s life. So, if someone wants, let them tell you about themselves and their movie. Otherwise, don’t make up a storyline.

2. Directors don't let extras write their scripts.

You’re in control of your own movie, so don’t let other people write your truths. Control your life, be your own person, and decide who you are and what you want for yourself. Yes, other people may have a great role in your story but you have the final say in what makes it to the last cut. Make your life – make the film on the big screen – a huge success.

3. The people in the theater next to you are watching a different movie.

Don’t forget that everyone is watching their own movies. Theirs may be very similar to yours, the complete opposite, or anywhere in between. Don’t assume that, because you’re watching a comedy, other people are going to be in the mood to laugh. Similarly, if you’re in the middle of a very dramatic scene in your life, remember not to drag the ones around you down with misguided anger.

4. Sometimes, supplementary characters help drive the plot of a movie.

Remember that outside characters can severely impact a movie’s plot and, to some people, you

are that outside character. Your actions have the ability to severely impact someone in a positive or negative way. Think before you speak or act, because if you’re going to force a movie into a certain direction, make sure it’s a positive one.

5. Enjoy the movie you are watching.

Don’t forget to live your life. Yes, there are other great movies out there but don’t spend so

much time thinking about those because you’ll risk missing out on the one that you are the star of.