Tip#162: Bring A Sense of Humour To Crisis - The Taking of Pelham One Two Three

Life can feel so heavy when you are in a crisis. This is when it is most important to focus on being as light as possible so you can remain calm and alert.

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three

Recently I caught a movie I was always curious about called The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. Growing up in the early 70's I remember my dad saying how good this movie was and he was right. I found the film surprisingly thrilling, entertaining and funny.

The movie stars Walter Matthau and Robert Shaw and is about hijackers who take over a subway train in New York City. I originally thought this was a suspense drama and yet it was so much more. The script and characters were so witty that I was laughing through most of the film.

Mixing crisis and humour was the strength of this movie. The terror and fear the hostages faced were performed realistically so you feel for their pain. And yet it was the naturally witty dialogue that took you to another level. Every character in the movie had so much personality, flavour and wit that there was a sense of enjoyment for the tense situation they were all in.

Paradox

This reminded me of how life can be during unexpected crisis or change. The movie was a mirror for having a sense of lightness in the face of challenges. It's important to acknowledge your crisis and then switch your mind onto looking at the bright side of the situation. Become optimistic by seeing the humour in your challenges.

To some this might be a paradox but it is really only a mindset for focusing on the positives. It disconnects you from the crisis so you are less emotionally paralyzed. Humorous moments can help clear the mind to find solutions to your challenges.

So if you are on a rough ride in life do your best to stay light. Step outside the heaviness of your problems and see the humour in your situation. In this way you'll be able to enjoy the ups and downs in life.

For more on humour see Tip#46: What Makes You Laugh?

Emmanuel Lopez
Motivational Specialist & Motivational Wingman
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2008