Hector and The Search for Happiness
I remember seeing the signs for the movie at the local Laemmle, but I never bought a ticket. After watching it on Netflix, I wish I would have … it was another Buen Camino feeling.
And you know, as I discover these stories, I find that I enjoy the journeys, the physical journeys across landscapes that end up creating meaningful adventures that help transformation.
From England to Shanghai to Tibet to Africa to California and then back to England. He asks many important questions along the way and learns a a dozen or so lessons when his journey comes to an end. Watching his growth as he finds some answers left me with that feel-good feeling, reminded me of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
I enjoyed the reminders along the way, I enjoyed the inspiration that left me feeling good on a night where I would otherwise feel a little crappy.
Making comparisons can spoil your happiness.
Many people only see happiness in their future.
Avoiding unhappiness is not the road to happiness.
Happiness is answering your calling.
Happiness is being loved for who you are.
Happiness is Sweet Potato Stew.
Happiness … If you want it, take it.
Happiness is feeling completely alive.
Happiness is knowing how to celebrate.
Listening is loving.
Nostalgia is not what it used to be.
The fact that I shared these doesn’t spoil the movie, the lessons, or the journey. I just hope it would peak your interest so that you could get your own A-HA moments. The best moment for me, other than the moment when Hector has his breakthrough in that isolation booth toward the end of the movie, was a conversation he had earlier, the one in Tibet.
“You’ve been through so much, how is it that you’re happy?” Hector asks.
“Because I’ve been through so much,” the monk responds.
And there it was … my Buen Camino moment.
Feeling good on a night that could have taken a wrong turn.
The Wish Factor 