Guest Blogger: Shannon Kaiser | www.playwiththeworld.com
“The Great Gatsby” movie is one of the most anticipated films of 2013. The New York Times, Huffington Post, Los Angeles Times, Vanity Fair – and multiple media outlets have done various stories about the clothes, cocktails and culture of the 1920s. But there is more to the story of “The Great Gatsby” than meets the eye. Upon a deeper reflection, I noticed the abundant life metaphors woven throughout the script.
Watching this blockbuster movie or reading the famous novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, can inspire more than just a feel good time, deeply hidden within the characters are life lessons, and tales of tribulations. Here are the top ways “The Great Gatsby” can make you happier. And we aren’t talking about the lusty Leonardo eye candy, although he sure can make us smile.
The Great Gatsby cast in France for the Cannes Film Festival
{source}
Top 5 Life Lessons Learned From The Great Gatsby
1. Always Try to See the Good in People
In the opening scene, Nick Carraway says that his father’s best advice was to, “Always try to see the good in people.” This helped his character meet interesting people and live a life full of rich experiences.
In our life, we can choose to focus on the good in people. When we spend our time in relationships looking at the flaws, what we don’t want and the bad aspects of the other people, we often feel separated and unhappy. Always give others the benefit of the doubt and see the good in them.
2. Focus on What You Want
Every character in the story focuses intensely on what they want. Whether they want to be with the love of their life, find out the truth or protect their loved ones, each persons motive drives their actions. The most successful people in life focus on their goal, rather than pay attention to what they don’t want.
3. You Can Change Your Fate
Jay Gatsby did not let his circumstances define who he was. He was born poor but believed in the power of his dream, and with a surmounted amount of hope and optimism he created a new life for himself. He proves to us all that we always have the power to transform our dreams into reality.
4. Celebrate Life
Jay Gatsby throws extravagant parties every Saturday night, and his guests come with one goal, to celebrate life! The parties are an attempt to make the most out of every moment and love life to the fullest. But you don’t have to live in a gothic mansion like Jay Gatsby to throw a “My life Rocks” party. Celebrating life and every moment can help you feel more abundant and happy.
5. Money Can’t Buy Love or Happiness
Gatsby’s extravagant lifestyle and wild parties are simply an attempt to impress his lost love, Daisy. He creates a life of luxury in hopes of finding happiness. Using money as power proves to be unsuccessful. When we think about the American dream, “The Great Gatsby,” is ultimately a cautionary tale of the decadent downside, which can remind us that money can never buy us happiness. What really matters in life is the relationships we have, the contributions we make and the love we give.
