The movie Forrest Gump touched, moved, and inspired people 20+ years ago. The life lessons from the movie are just as relevant today as they were back in 1994. They give the movie it’s timeless nature.
This series is dedicated to listing the many life lessons from the movie that we can incorporate into our daily lives to feel more peace and love … and to live our lives with Gumption.
Living in the Moment
As humans, we are happiest when living in the moment. For most of Forrest’s life, he was fully present in the here and now. Things like anger, blame, jealousy, and resentment were not part of his life. These emotions do not live in the present.
There was a time that Forrest was all-too-human and got himself stuck in the past. It lasted for 3 years, 2 months, 14 days and 15 hours … it was his run across America.
Prior to the run, Forrest was enjoying one of the happiest moments of his life. Jenny had returned home to stay with him. They celebrated his birthday and she gave him a pair of running shoes. They celebrated the 4th of July. He asked her to marry him.
Then … Jenny left.
For several days Forrest sat around the house lost in his thoughts. Alone. Sad.
And then one day for no particular reason he decided to go for a little run:
- To the end of the road
- To the end of town
- To the end of the county
- Clear across the state of Alabama
- To the ocean … and then another ocean … 4 times
Forrest said he just felt like running.
The reality was Forrest was stuck in the past.
- He missed Jenny
- He wanted to be with her
- He wanted life to be different
He was no doubt angry, blameful, jealous, and full of resentment.
When he finally stopped, he said he was tired … and that he thought he’d go home.
What was Forrest so tired of?
- Being angry
- Blaming
- Being jealous
- And carrying the burden of resentment
Later, while recalling his story Forrest said, “My Mama always said you’ve got to put the past behind you before you can move on … I think that was what all that running was about.”
Forrest was back to living in the present … living in the moment.
What are you holding on to that’s keeping you stuck in the past?
Are you tired of being angry and resentful?
If yes, all you need to do is stop.