Last week, as my Husband and I began to do some cleaning, he flipped a movie on for us to listen to as we cleaned. The movie started, but I wasn’t paying much attention. I had already been absorbed into cleaning, and my husband started talking about what a great movie it was and when I looked up I realized I didn’t recognize the movie. My sweet Husband was shocked to learn I had never seen “The Pursuit of Happiness” with Will and Jayden Smith. From there, he insisted I needed to really watch the movie, and so I did.

OH MY GOODNESS. It’s safe to say that “The Pursuit of Happiness” has moved to my favorite movies list. If you are like me, and you haven’t seen it, go watch it right now, you will not regret it. If you have seen it, then you probably agree that it’s an incredible movie for more than one reason. The main focus of the movie is on a man and his family. I’ll try not to put too many spoilers, but I want to give a basic description of the movie. The main character, played by Will Smith, is working endlessly to make ends meet, take care of his son, and make something of himself. Throughout the movie, life quite literally kicks him in the face, repeatedly. He is evicted, he fails to pay his bills and overall has THE worst luck.

When I say the worst luck, I mean your bad day times ten. I was stressed out for him. Through all of the tough spots, he not only continues to toil through his work, but takes on even more responsibility in an effort to move into a new career that would better his own life, as well as his families. Even after taking on that extra responsibility he is still not guaranteed a position in this new profession. Through all of his turmoil, he continues not only to put his son first, but goes above and beyond to ensure the boy was continually learning, loving, and being taken care of. Through the movie, Will Smith’s character begins to wear down, and you can see how much sadness and frustration he begins to carry, but through it all he doesn’t let it affect his attitude and determination. I believe that’s what absolutely blows my mind about this movie. Essentially, this movie is about working hard to achieve “The American Dream.”

We all have a basic idea of what “The American Dream” is, although it’s not a phrase used too much anymore. People still come from all over the world to have the chances here that we so easily take for granted. I believe most of us don’t understand the grit, determination, and hard work it truly takes to make our wildest dreams a reality. I believe we all start out with beautiful, big and attainable dreams, but as we grow into adulthood we begin to slowly let go of our dreams, sometimes without even realizing it.

We begin to let our insecurities define our dreams. We tell ourselves that we aren’t good enough, smart enough, or rich enough to reach those aspirations. Even more than ourselves, we let people define not only our dreams and goals, but our lives. I am a HUGE people pleaser, I mean massive, to the point of physically feeling ill when I know I’ve upset someone. What I have come to realize is that there are so many people out there who feel the need to please those around them, but at what cost? Stop telling yourself that you aren’t smart enough, that you don’t have the time or money, or that it simply won’t happen for you, because IT CAN.

It will not be easy, and it will most likely require hard work, sacrifice and enduring some hardship, but it will be worth it when you walk across that stage, own that business, take that trip or climb that impossible mountain. We need to stop letting a few hurdles keep us from achieving those goals (myself included). When things feel like big failures or the worst kind of luck, keep pushing. Let those around you encourage and uplift you. Focus on your crazy but incredible dreams and MAKE them happen!

I know what you are thinking, “You are basing all of this on a movie?” This movie is based on a true story, but besides that, it was just the reminder and visual I needed to keep pushing. Road blocks and obstacles in life are bound to happen, and sometimes we will get knocked down and then run over, but shouldn’t we get back up? Try again. Reach for stars and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Above all else, believe in yourself and work passionately and tirelessly towards those crazy dreams. You can do it. If no one believes in you, I DO!