Everyone has their favorite movie. For me, it's the incredible plot and captivating story of "The Shawshank Redemption." If you have seen it, I hope the topic I'm about to discuss with you gives you some perspective and another reason to love it. If you haven't seen this gem, I'm honestly shocked. You've had a couple of decades to do so. And, in the words of Boggs, the infamous antagonist, "I could be a friend to you."
In this 1994 dramatic thriller, Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) is convicted of the murder of his wife and her lover, and he is sent to Shawshank Prison. During his time behind bars, Andy experiences all the hardships and trying times prison has to offer a man. Over the years, he befriends Ellis 'Red' Redding (Morgan Freeman), and the two do their time side by side. To avoid spoilers for those of you who haven't watched this legendary film, I'll stop here with the summary and let you watch the movie for yourselves.
At one point in the movie, Andy and Red are talking about what life would be like outside the barriers of Shawshank. Andy tells Red that one day, when he gets out, he wants to spend the rest of his life on a beach in Mexico, "somewhere warm without any memory." While Red gives Andy a geography lesson about how Mexico is miles and miles south of the prison, Andy utters the quote that makes this movie worth the watch. He says, "It all comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy living, or get busy dying."
This part of the movie sort of grabbed my soul and gave it a little squeeze. I mull this phrase over in my head every time I watch this movie. It's a simple phrase, and it's very matter-of-fact. I think that's what makes it so appealing.
Sometimes — but only sometimes — the choices Andy's talking about really are simple. Despite the hardships, the tough times and the moments you'd rather flee from than fight, you're doing one of two things in life. You're either living life to the fullest extent, or you're slowly dying. Personally, I want to live, not just scrape by or survive.
I want to experience those moments that make the fight worth it all. I want to find inspiration in the ordinary. I want to give and receive love. I want to travel and see the world. I want to really, truly, honestly, purposefully live. I want others to experience these wonderful things, too.
If you're still reading this, I hope your choice is clear. I hope you choose to live your life with guts and passion. Never settle for less. Take a few chances in life and take a few notes from Andy. Get busy living, or get busy dying people. What's it going to be?
