One of my favourite films is Shirley Valentine. I first saw it in the cinema in the late 80’s and as a young woman, laughed in all the right places and thought it was a wonderful film about a woman fulfilling a dream.
I’ve watched it many times since but my perception of the film has changed as I’ve got older. I still think it’s a very funny film but I get the bigger story now; Shirley doesn’t just want to fulfil a dream of going on holiday to Greece, she’s looking to find the person who had such a spark that became buried as time had passed.
‘I’ve led such a little life’ – Shirley Valentine
We do change over time; we’re meant to, that’s how we learn and develop. It’s not about staying stuck where you were, but it is important to remember who you were and if there are elements that you really liked about yourself, taking those important aspects of who you are with you.
Shirley didn’t wake up one morning being who she is at the start of the film; she gradually changed and evolved into that person. That’s a good reflection of life for everyone. It’s also important to remember that it works both ways. There are many elements that we change and develop because they don’t serve us anymore and that’s a good thing. I don’t want to be the person that I was in the late 80’s; not because I was a bad person, but because I have evolved and grown through my life experience, my professional career, family, relationships and friendships that have grown over time.
‘I’m Shirley the brave, Shirley the marvellous, Shirley Valentine’ – Shirley Valentine
We’re not meant to stand still, that wouldn’t bring the fulfilment of achievement but equally we don’t need to completely change either.
Life is about learning and growing by adding to what you already have and who you already are. If there are elements that you’re less keen on, those are the things to work on. When it comes to feeling content and happy in life, it’s about getting the balance right; being your authentic self and loving (or rediscovering the love of) yourself for who you are.