Being a huge movie fan (I could actually list all the movies and actors from period 1995 to 1999!) I have watched plenty of movies. Some just to pass the time and some that really made an impact.

I picked up some life lessons from movies that made a personal difference in my views and way of thinking. This is a list of my personal choices and my understanding of the messages being relayed in the movie.

There may be some disagreement with how I’ve chosen to take these lessons and use in my everyday life but I hope it helps some people who get to read this list and maybe discover your own lessons in movies you’ve watched.

Personal Lesson

Chasing Amy (1997)

Best friends and comic book artists Holden and Banky meet a girl. It seems simple and you might think it’s one of those love triangles but it’s not. Not in the way that you think at least.

Life Lesson: It is your right to keep to yourself what you want to keep to yourself. Even in the happiest of relationships and marriages you’re allowed a semblance of privacy. I honestly believe that there is no need to over share especially when it comes to past relationships. That is your choice and your choice alone.

Just remember your past actions have helped to make you the person you are today and though there may be some regrettable decisions, experiences will always make you a better person as long as you take away something positive and tangible from it.

Marriage Lesson

The Story of Us (1999)

Ben and Katie are married 15 years and it seems like the end but what qualifies as enough?

Life Lesson: Marriage is one of the most toughest yet enjoyable journeys. Getting on your marriage you are faced with challenges that can make or break you.

My takeaway from this movie is that in the midst of your stress, tension and madness when your partner calls you to talk about a memory jump at the chance. Those are moments worth taking.

Life Lesson: When something great or wonderful happens to you, usually you want to call your other half and share that. So why not the struggles, the loneliness and the desperation as well.

Cheating isn’t limited to the sexual act it’s also when you share your intimate thoughts and emotions with someone other than your partner. Now, I know some might disagree but we all know that when you talk about marital problems with a “friend” of the opposite sex you’re calling out for attention and assurance which may lead you down the road to “Cheatsville”.

Bonus: Rachel’s explanation of the differences in a man’s and woman’s body when making up after a fight!


 

Parent Lesson

White Oleander (2002)

It’s not an easy movie to watch and it may actually bore some who have no relation to the topic. Yet, if you stick with it their may be some realizations you pick up with Astrid and her journey to realizing she can decide her own fate.

Life Lesson: I admire parents that don’t leave their children with invisible scars. I hope I’m able to leave my children intact and with a positive promise of tomorrow. As I watched White Oleander I began to realize and accept that my father couldn’t be the man I wanted him to be.

I remember a raging fight between my dad, mom, brother and I in a hotel no less, when my dad was sitting beaten down with all the arguments, he said to me “Break the cycle…” and I did just that. There are still hints of my father in me but I’m lucky to have a husband who has shown me love, support and genuine sincerity in my well being. He has made me a stronger person and because of him I’m able to look past my faulty childhood and my deep insecurities and worries.

Family Lesson

The Family Man (2000)

It’s one of those “What if” movies that hits the heart and home. Jack is successful but he lacks something he doesn’t even realize. Jack gets a glimpse of life and what might have been.

Have you ever had one of those dreams where you lose something or someone that you love and are devastated? I sometimes take my husband for granted and when I had a dream where I lost him it woke me up and literally I woke up crying because I thought it was real.

Life Lesson: 

Life isn’t about settling but about living the life you want to live. If you’re lucky you realize early on what that is exactly and are able to take steps to achieve it. I personally believe that all the amount of success and money can’t live up to a life filled with love of a family and personal contentment.

Friendship Lesson

Standby Me (1986)

Four friends go on a search of for the missing body of a boy reported missing and possibly dead. Their journey there reveals their personal struggles and the strength they find in each other.

Life Lesson: Have you ever had a friendship you thought would last till the end? I’m sure we’ve all had friends we thought we would grow old with and in the end, end up growing apart from. It’s a sad realization that people change, you change and a connection once so solid can be replaced with so much unfamiliarity.

Life Lesson: We have no control over someone’s life. Their life is their own and their choices are their own.

What movies have you gotten life lessons from? Please share! I’d love to watch it!

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