I saw this over the weekend while window shopping, and it struck me as something very appropriate for my life. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out the plot, why things happened, why my childhood was what it was, why I was the way I was, etc. In all that time, I forgot that the plot wasn’t the important part; it was the cast of characters around me. I realized that healing, for me, was about becoming a better person, a better husband, a better friend, and so on. If there aren’t people around me who inspire me to do those things, it’s much less likely to happen.
When I surround myself with negative, toxic people, trying to be a better person can be ridiculously difficult. It adds yet another hurdle to healing. On the other hand, when I’m surrounded by positive, encouraging people, not only do I have the support I need, but I also have people whom I want to emulate. I see examples of thoughtfulness, kindness, and caring that I can learn from. I see work ethics and attitudes that I want to have myself.
Luckily, I can look around me now and know that the cast of my movie is full of these kinds of people. My wife and my friends are positive influences on me, each in their way. I may not be sure where the plot is going from here, but I know with this cast, it’s going to be good.