Live Like "Elf"
Senior Moments is a series of reflections and lessons learned from my life. My hope is that it prompts you to reflect upon your own experiences. What stories do you want to share with your family?
One of my Wegmans coworkers and I were talking about our favorite Christmas movie. It was not unusual for Stephanie to chat about a particular movie scene she liked. I am always amazed at how much she remembers—a lot more than I do after seeing any movie.
Inspired by our conversation that afternoon, I decided to rent “Elf” instead of watching yet another Christmas Hallmark movie. I saw the movie many years ago and remembered how Buddy the Elf, (played by Will Farrell) made me laugh. I had forgotten most of the details, but knew it made me feel happy.
After watching Elf again last week, I wondered how it would be to look at the world like Buddy. If you haven’t seen the movie, here is a brief summary.
Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler (from a Convent) and raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it so happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results.
Although Buddy’s approach to everyday things were a bit over the top (‘ya think?). I found myself wishing I had that same enthusiasm about life—anything and everything! Buddy’s curiosity and looking at everything with excitement and joy was indeed his “go-to” lifestyle.
As I was thinking about writing this article, I Googled (of course) the movie. Who knew that there were others who had similar impressions as me? Here are some Buddy quotes that especially meant a lot to me:
Treat every day like Christmas.
As I finish writing this article, Christmas 2024 is over. Over the last few days, I’ve heard people lament about how quickly Christmas went by. All the anticipation and planning for the “big day” are gone in an instant. I would guess that most of us feel a let-down at the end of the evening or holiday week. (Granted some may feel relief—but that’s another article!)
What would it be like if we continued that same sense of anticipation every day? Thinking about a loved one and trying to find ways to do something special for him/her. It doesn’t have to be a gift or anything tangible. It could be as simple as a phone call or text, telling them you were thinking about them and loved them. It could be planning a time to meet a friend for lunch or coffee.
There’s room for everyone on the nice list.
By acknowledging that everyone can be on the Nice List, Buddy looks for the best in people. He really believes that even the worst people (in our opinion) can have redemption. Wouldn’t it great to meet new people and approach friendships: Acceptance ▪ Forgiveness ▪ No prejudice
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.
Music often fills the quiet times in our days—car rides, walking/jogging, doing the dishes. Music stirs the joy in us. How often a song can transport us back to a meaningful event, time, or feeling in your life.
Music is incorporated in all major religions. Humans spend loads of time and money on concerts and “records.” I belong to a folk singing group and a wife of one of our “folkies” has dementia. Despite her failing memory, she mouths all the words to the songs we sing.
“I just like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite.” (Buddy)
Part of phone training for customer service reps often includes instruction to smile when talking with a customer. That automatically makes you sound more friendly and approachable.
The benefits of smiling include reducing stress, strengthening immune system, and improving your mood. Smiling is contagious —try it on for size.
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Aim for joy.
Happiness is a short-term emotion (like getting a gift). Joy is considered a deeper, consistent state of contentment which can help you weather the storms of life. It’s important to have the right people around you. You also need a willingness to hold on to life, no matter what troubles arise.
Besides adopting some of Buddy’s behaviors, some of the ways you can develop more joy is by practicing gratitude (feeling appreciation for the little things in your life you take for granted), finding small ways to be kind and give appreciation, and perhaps volunteering for a good cause.
How can you embrace some of Buddy’s approach to life? Can you commit to selecting one or two ways mentioned above (or others you may know) to embrace/practice this kind of joy in 2025?
Every day is an opportunity to start fresh. I hope 2025 is your year to start anew!
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