Welcome

"It's hard for many people to believe that there are extraordinary things inside themselves, as well as others. I hope you can keep an open mind." -Elijah Price



Last night I found myself sliding one of my favorite movies into the DVD player. Unbreakable. In my opinion M. Knight Shamalan's best film. The tale of a man who is forced to confront the fact he's an exceptional human being, perhaps even possessing super human abilities. The protagonist's journey mirrors many of our own. At first convinced of his own "normality" he wanders through life, almost lost. Perhaps knowing his potential, but refusing to push himself in any way. Fear of the unknown leads him into an unhappy marriage, closed off from his wife and child, and waking each morning with a sadness he can’t explain. Then, in a chain of events akin to Joseph Campbell's modern mythology, he discovers and accepts his abilities, later using them for good. In the process he finds peace within himself.



When I first saw this film, some 10 years ago I was blown away. Not only by the surprise ending we've all come to expect from a Shamalan movie, but because of the themes it touched on. I'll admit I even had delusions of grandeur. After all, I've never broken a bone, and get sick an average of only once every 2 years. Maybe I was a superhero too? But that was really missing the point. We all possess abilities, talents, and hidden passions just waiting to be fueled or discovered. And I would say the majority of us find ourselves afraid to explore these waters. But life should be about finding the courage to do just that. To constantly grow as a person, experience new things, and to feed our desires and interests. Only then can one be described as living life to the fullest.



So perhaps it was a timely movie to watch as this blog takes form. This site will, in a way, chronicle my journey towards further self-discovery as I test my own boundaries and dive head first into the various and sundry passions I have and share with so many. Who knows, maybe I'll even find my inner superhero along the way.