Yesterday I went to see the film Up In The Air with my family for the holidays.You can watch the movie trailer here. Overall I enjoyed the film as it was entertaining and it carries some underlying messages that are worth paying attention to. It's no wonder the film was nominated for six Golden Globes. The movie made me think and so I could not help but write down a few thoughts as certain elements reminded me of myself, especially the references to heavy traveling. It only seems appropriate that I am writing this article while cruising through the air at 36,000 feet.
For those of you unfamiliar with the film, it is a romantic comedy / drama written and directed by Jason Reitman. In the film, Ryan Bingham, played by George Clooney, is constantly on the road. I can relate to this on a couple of different levels as I have traveled close to 100,000 miles for the third year in a row, just like the road warrior Ryan Bingham (though Ryan usually triples my yearly totals). Ryan has a little airport security dance that kicks off his shoes, removes his laptop and belt all in own motion, just like me. Ryan also seems to be racking up the travel rewards and I would have to say I do the same thing. It's loyalty in hopes of one day relying on them to get me around as if money were going to be a scarcity.
Ryan Bingham's job is to terminate people from their place of employment while sending them adrift in the best possible way he can. His messages to employees, while unfortunate, were also inspirational. He explained that while employment might be coming to an end, the door is opening to do something different - a new opportunity. While change is scary it is also what makes life interesting and fun, especially if you are like me and see the glass as half full. Life goes on for employees after a layoff or other life change as long as you see it as a second chance as opposed to a curse. It's all about the attitude and approach you take in life.
Finally, Ryan like myself is a speaker. I often talk about leveraging the shiny objects of the Web to do what you love, in hopes of inspiring others. Likewise, Ryan Bingham has a clever "What's in your backpack?" speech which shares how experiences are more important than objects. He focuses on lightening the load in your backpack so you can enjoy life. I would have to agree. I'd much rather live life moving than sitting still. As Ryan said:
"The slower we move the faster we die."
I could not agree with him more. Sitting still is dying, while moving is living. Age is just a number and you really are as old as your mind thinks you are. I am probably about 24 right now, how old are you? You don't have to answer that out loud, but think about it. Your mind controls a lot more than you might imagine.
Well, I had better go now, I am cruising at 36,000 feet and it's time to watch the in-air entertainment with my single serving snack mix, square napkin and styrofoam cup of hot tea. I am going to sit, back, relax and enjoy the ride. Life is too short not to do what you love.
