I can’t help but associate the observation of Groundhog Day with the Bill Murray movie of the same title. With no disrespect to fuzzy Phil from Punxsutawney who forecasts the winter weather based upon the visibility of his shadow, I always break a smile when thinking about this movie.
Most of us are aware of Murray’s character Phil Conners reliving February 2nd over and over in a endless loop. With the exception of him and his actions, the townspeople do the same thing over and over with predictability—after all, it’s the same day. However it’s not the day’s events that the movie is focused upon; it’s the redemption of Phil Conners to become a better person.
Phil Conners gets a do-over—many in fact, until he gets it right.
Fortunately, life in the real world does not allow us to be trapped in a feedback loop. The mental torture would be overwhelming as demonstrated by Murray’s character attempting suicide on several occasions, only to wake up again on, yes, February 2nd. But we do get a chance to “get it right.” A mulligan, if you will.
So on this Groundhog Day, consider a do-over for yourself. What would you like to change in your life? Do you need to reaffirm your New Year’s resolution? Are you looking to rebuild damaged relationships or improve yourself as a person? Are you mullin’ for a mulligan?
Spend a few minutes today to look inside yourself to assess these questions. Take a coffee break in solitude or take a brisk walk. Turn off the iPod and reflect in the splendor of silence. Take some notes or journal your thoughts. And then, as in the golfing term “mulligan,” take a do-over.
Links
Here’s my 2010 Groundhog Day article»
Brainworms and The Buzz™ 