UGGGGAAAHHHHHHHH! That is what I imagine the roar of the mighty Chewbacca would spell out as on paper. This vocalization instills fear among this famous Wookies’ enemies in the Star Wars universe, but it also creates an inexplicable state of happiness.
Last December, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” debuted, marking the return of many beloved characters from “A Galaxy Far Far Away.” Whether it was seeing the Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker, the princess turned general Leia Organa, or the swash-buckling smuggler Han Solo, fans yearned to get a glimpse of their favorite galactic heroes. Chewbacca is also one of these heroes, but he is appreciated for different reasons.
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The Wookiee from the forest world of Kashyyyk can be a ferocious warrior at one moment, but seconds later, he can be as friendly as your favorite pet. If you polled a group of Star Wars fans as to what would be the first thing they would do if they could travel to the Star Wars galaxy, a popular answer would be to hug Chewbacca. Often called a "walking carpet," a hug from Chewbacca seems to make life better. When England’s Prince William and Harry visited the “Star Wars Episode VIII” set, they sought a hug from the famed Chewbacca. Even royalty sought a moment of happiness from a Wookiee.
On screen Chewbacca is an amazing character, but how does one actually become a “Happy Chewbacca” in real life? An avid Star Wars fan, Candace Payne answered this question through a viral video on Facebook. Mrs. Payne purchased a roaring Chewbacca mask and within seconds of donning it on, brought joy and laughter to millions of viewers. Anyone watching could sense the joy and love that Mrs. Payne had for the mask.
Even though the mask made Mrs. Payne look like a Wookiee, this was not the thing that made her a "Happy Chewbacca." What really made Mrs. Payne a "Happy Chewbacca" was the fact that she embraced her own personality and her inner child with no shame at all. Mrs. Payne shared her moment of elation with pride in front of millions of people. The video actually became the most-watched live video in Facebook history and was even featured on "The Late Late Show” with James Corden and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” director J.J. Abrams.
The viral video also earned Candace Payne a personal invitation from Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to visit Facebook headquarters. There, Mrs. Payne was introduced to a familiar friend.
So how can we all find our own "Happy Chewbaccas" like Candace Payne did? Well before you go off searching across the globe, you have to look within yourself. In that one video, Mrs. Payne showed two important things. First, that she was comfortable with herself, and second, that she was not ashamed to show her passion to the world.
In order to enjoy life, we have to be like Mrs. Payne and be comfortable. We have to be proud of ourselves. We can't be afraid of ridicule or strife when it comes to our passions. Instead, we must identify what truly makes us happy, and display how proud we are about it. In society, we at times are afraid to show what makes us happy because it may not be the most popular thing. But if we hide whatever brings us joy, then we will never be able to live an enjoyable and fulfilling life.
Instead of hiding what brings you pride and happiness, embrace what is inside you and put on your Wookiee mask. Reach deep inside of yourself and bellow out a Wookiee roar. Follow in Candace Payne’s footsteps and show how proud you are to reveal your own "Happy Chewbacca."
