Tip#87: Things Change - Bicentennial Man

Some people do not like autumn because it marks the end of the summer. Trees begin to lose their leaves and the cold winter season approaches. But endings are part of the universal cycle and with endings there are always new beginnings.

For me September always marks a fresh return to work after having a summer break. There is something crisp in the air and the leaves start to change into its beautiful earthy autumn hues. Maybe I'm still conditioned by the school season we all grew up with but it's a conditioning I truly enjoy. I feel excited, re-energized and revved up!

Toronto International Film Festival

In Toronto, September also marks the annual Toronto International Film Festival. This year it has attracted big names like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Jodie Foster, George Clooney and Cate Blanchett just to name a few. This is actually the first year in a long time that I paid any attention to the film festival news and movie releases. I feel a change in the air.

I used to attend the film festival full time every year and treated it as my holiday time. It all started in 1991 when I created illustrations for the film festival (then called the Festival of Festivals). Part of my payment was receiving a Gold Patron's Pass for two to see unlimited movies and gala screenings. Plus I received tickets to private parties in the evenings. It was great to share my passes with friends and clients. It was a big dream for any movie lover!

However that yearly experience needed to end because I started to go through the transition of finding myself. I needed to focus on my soul searching which took me away from things I loved to do. Plus, despite being surrounded by movie lovers of the film festival, I always wished I could share it with a soul mate.

So despite the exciting energy and glitter of film festivals I chose to dedicate my time to healing myself. It hurt a little to let go but things change.

Bicentennial Man (1999)

I recently watched one of my favourite films called Bicentennial Manwhich I've discussed before in tip#48. In many ways the film is a big mirror for my path in life and it always brings me hope that I will eventually accomplish all my dreams and goals.

Watch now: Amazon Prime

In the movie Robin Williams plays an android named Andrew who begins to display a unique consciousness and awareness. He had a deep drive to make sense of things and to improve himself. He develops a talent for making clocks out of driftwood and goes on to create artificial organs for himself that later benefits humans in need.

Bicentennial Manis about Andrew's journey of change, creating change and understanding change. And because he does not age he witnesses the death of those he cares about as time passes. Through death he learns about the cycles of beginnings and endings. As Andrew says throughout the movie, "Things change."

9/11

The fall also marks the anniversary of 9/11 and a time to remember how precious life is. And though nothing can compare with the death of a loved one life must eventually go on.

The changing seasons remind us that endings are necessary for new beginnings. The seasons remind us that it is inevitable that we put away our shorts and sandals and bring out warmer clothes for the fall and winter. And though this is the same season where flowers die we already know that by spring seeds will sprout and bring new life to a new season.

So look at your own transitions with the same hope that spring brings. Remember that new beginnings can only come from endings whether they be relationships, careers or old habits you must let go of. Things change.

"Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all."
Stanley Horowitz

Emmanuel Lopez
Life Skills & Career Development
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2007