We saw “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” last night and what a great movie it was! Other than a few predictable violent scenes, it was engaging, beautifully photographed, and extremely well acted. We had to rent the first “Elizabeth” movie to refresh our memories and I’d recommend you do that if it’s been a while since you’ve seen it. While not a huge history buff, I’m now eager to get myself a biography on Queen Elizabeth, which in my mind is an indication of what a good movie should do – leave you wanting more.
Like other impressive projects (Mount Rushmore, To Kill a Mockingbird, the raising of a child) I’m struck by the strength, resilience and persistence of people who rise above daily frustrations, setbacks and tragedies to persevere. They don’t all walk around with perpetual smiles on their faces. They have their private “meltdowns” and “Why me, Lord?” moments, yet somehow they manage to pull it together and get their feet back on the right path.
What’s the secret? Among other traits (like willingness to risk and fail) they find a way to forgive themselves and forgive others so they are free to move forward. I won’t spoil the story for you, but when you see the movie, watch for the theme of forgiveness which seems to touch many of the key characters. You’ll certainly see it transform Kate Blanchett’s character, Elizabeth, with a little help from special effect lighting!
The theme of forgiveness came up a few days earlier when I had coffee with an acquantance who developed a worry stone with the words “Forgiveness” etched on it. As I looked at the stone and the marketing copy on the package, I suggested she use the words “Free Yourself!” as an attention-getter headline. Certainly there are other wonderfully altruistic reasons to release grudges, but one of the most immediate benefits is that it frees US from the anxiety, stress and mental preoccupation that consume our thoughts, words and actions when we’re frustrated with others.
Then there’s Debra Norville’s new book “Thank You Power”, which is about the power and science of gratitude. While I haven’t read it yet, I’ve seen some of the reviews and it sounds very interesting and inspiring. Can it be that exuding an attitude of gratitude is also what makes people persevere no matter what life sends their way? 
Gosh, this is all sounding downright Biblical, isn’t it? I wonder if the increasing number of books we’re seeing on spiritual, inspiring topics is just the pendulum swinging the other way now that spirituality, God, faith and religion have been systematically drummed out of our schools and the workplace. Perhaps it’s just people’s way of trying to make sense of the world and discipline themselves to aspire to a more positive mindset and higher plane of human interaction.
Regardless of the motivation, I think California’s Governor Arnold summed it up well while interviewed from the fire line yesterday. He basically said to the reporter (and I’m paraphrasing) “I know what you’re looking for, but you’re not going to find it here. What’s happening here right now is good. There’s nothing bad.” Refusing to fan the flames of discontent, finger pointing, blame and criticism, the Governor was obviously trying to fight a different kind of fire.
Sometimes, despite the bad things blazing all around us (like fires, illness, arguments, difficult people, disappointments, job loss, etc.) it takes a force of will, just like Elizabeth displayed as the Spanish Armada approached her outnumbered forces, to persevere. It means we have to say to ourselves, often and out loud, “I can conquer this.” It means you focus on the good things that are happening despite the chaos in other corners. It means we must ask more of ourselves in the present moment if we want to see a brighter future.
Otherwise, we melt into a puddle of self-pity and stagnation. Certainly not the way I want to be remembered!
So, get thee off to the movies this weekend to see “Elizabeth”. Grab ahold of Debra Norville’s book. Make one positive change in your living or working environment, even if it’s just to bring home a bunch of flowers from the grocery store and put them out in the open for all to see. Take 10 minutes to walk around the block and get some fresh air, clean the inside of your car or send a note to someone you care about thanking them for the positive impact they’ve had on your life.
Take one small hopeful stand and it could turn things around in your favor. It certainly did for Elizabeth!
Writing from Colorado, Laura B.
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I really enjoyed this post. I have seen the first Elisabeth but not the Cate Blanchette version. I’ll have to check it out.
I also identified a lot with what you said about forgivness and perserverence. Good stuff!
CQ