I loved the 1993 movie Groundhog Day and have probably watched it over a dozen times. Not only does the movie make me feel good, but it has a very spiritual plot that can apply to almost everyone, whether they believe in a higher source or not. The movie implies “there are no accidents” and somehow absolutely everything that happens in life is orchestrated with a greater purpose.
Here’s How 2020 (and Possibly 2021) is Like the Movie Groundhog Day…
1 TRAPPED-
In the movie, the main character, Phil Connors, is reliving the same day over and over as if he was stuck in time until he learns how to unconditionally love.
In 2020, it seems like our lives have not only been turned upside down but stuck in a never ending cycle—that goes on day after day, week after week, month after month. The happy ending will probably only occur when we learn how to unconditionally love everyone and everything. That means loving ourselves, especially others, and everything else we could imagine.
2 DOUBT-
At first, Phil Connors doubts himself and thinks he might be crazy, going to the doctor for a checkup and to a therapist.
In 2020 (and possibly into 2021), lots of us are struggling to stay sane watching all the external drama unfold, which causes us to start doubting everything. We also reach out for help to try to make sense of what’s happening, especially to the latest news, the experts, and of course, the government.
3 FIGHTS BACK-
Getting angry about his situation, Phil lashes out by criticizing and being downright cruel to others. Thinking the clock might be to blame, he finally throws it across the room, breaking it. But as he finds out the next day, his rage had no effects. The clock was in perfect condition and the alarm rang the next morning as usual.
In 2020, almost all of us have been swept up for a time and downright furious at someone or something—and this may continue into 2021. There has got to be someone, some group, or something to blame for this endless horrible experience. We lash out in any way we can. Sometimes it’s by social media, giving money to our cause, or simply by badmouthing others. We soon find out our lashing out and anger only increase others’ anger and lashing out. Therefore, it has no lasting effects in changing this bloody battlefield.
4 DESTRUCTIVE-
Phil even takes it to the extreme. He wants this day to end so bad he resorts to stealing a truck, kidnapping the groundhog, and running the truck off of a cliff. But again, it has no lasting effect.
In 2020-2021, we may resort to destructive behaviors, such as trying all sorts of ways to gain at someone else’s expense. We could also turn those destructive behaviors inward, to numb or hurt ourselves, like beginning or continuing bad habits or addictions—anything just to stop this ongoing nightmare.
5 TURNING POINT-
Phil keeps trying to push and rush a romance with Rita, hoping to get some relief by forcing her into a relationship. Finally, Rita slaps him and declares, “You will never love anyone but yourself.” Phil replies, “That’s not true. I don’t even like myself.” With that one statement, a lightbulb turns on in Phil. He was really honest with himself, and the movie takes a turn from then on.
We often think as soon as things calm down and return to “normal,” it will give us the relief we so desperately want. Yet, until we include learning to love ourselves and get to the point we feel like we deserve something better, we cannot fully experience it.
6 FOCUS-
With Phil’s realization and new outlook on his predicament, he begins by learning to focus—not in a controlling, self-centered, and wanting something in return way. He starts by simply trying to throw cards into a hat, by training his mind and concentrating on it.
If nothing else, in 2020-2021 we are learning how to train our minds away from the external drama that we can’t hardly ever control, to something we can control, how we want to feel. We are learning the power of our thoughts like Phil did.
7 ACTS OF KINDNESS-
Phil then gives love to others with small acts of kindness, like caring for a homeless guy and surprisingly, providing coffee to his co-workers. The more he genuinely cares for others, the better he feels about himself. Phil’s courage and ability to care continue to build as he catches a boy falling from a tree and saves a man from choking.
The more we genuinely care for others and unconditionally love them no matter what they think, say, or how they behave—the better we feel about ourselves and the easier the future will get.
8 BEING INSPIRED-
Phil evolves into letting go of the “mediocre” and instead, having a deep desire to be inspired and excited about what he does. This is shown by him taking up ice sculpting and playing the piano with feeling.
For most of us in 2020-2021, the “mediocre” is becoming less tolerable, especially with our work. There were hundreds of thousands of us stuck in a rut and doing work that was not that satisfying. Something had to push us out of our comfort zones and give us the courage to look for something better.
9 COMING TOGETHER-
By taking time to become a person Phil could actually admire and love, he attracted others who admired and loved him too. Everyone at the dance thought highly of Phil and voiced their appreciation of him.
Now is the time to stop playing small and have the courage to become someone we would admire. We have let other things in our lives become the priority, such as money, status, and being right. But when it comes down to it, our ability to unconditionally love is the highest priority there is.
10 THE ENDING-
Phil wakes up with Rita in his arms, pinches her to see if it is real, and says, “Something is different. Anything different is good. But this could be real good.”
Finally, getting a new way of living is going to be wonderful, but it could get real good—beyond what we can possibly imagine!
Are You Ready to Unconditionally Love Yourself?
This self-study course helps you change the mindset that you have about yourself and the world around you. You will finally feel you deserve your new life on a steady basis. For more details.
Check out the Quiz, How Worthy Do You Feel?
If you need more help, contact Vickie Champion for a complimentary coaching and consulting session.