Inkwells & Images

The Walter Mitty Effect

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by

Abbigail Kriebs
in ,

One month and one day later, and I am still thinking about this movie.

Walter Mitty Movie Poster

I connected with this film. Immensely.

Maybe it’s because I’m in this vulnerable in-between stage in life right now where I sympathize with Walter. I’m in this waiting period at work, in my own business, in trying to sell our house. I’m just crossing off the days on the calendar, waiting for things to happen.

To happen to me.

When maybe I should be doing something about it.

Like Walter, I spent much of my childhood (and let’s face it, my adulthood) daydreaming amazing and wonderful scenarios in which I led an impossibly grand life: a life where I was recognized for my talent and admired for my abilities. Some of these abilities I didn’t actually even possess. Sadly, I am not a world class tennis player or a chess champion.

I just wanted to do big, grand things.

So now, I am. It’s a slow process, and it’s definitely going to take more time and effort than any of my “fake” dream scenarios ever included.

I’m calling it “The Walter Mitty Effect.

thewaltermittyeffect

I have decided that mediocrity is lame. Mediocrity is unacceptable. Mediocrity is just … mediocre.

I’m upping my game to live a more grand adventure.

And I’m learning to play to my strengths in the process.

Instead of dreaming about becoming a big-name tennis star or a chart-topping singer (neither of which is vaguely in the realm of possibility for this girl), I am going to dream about what I really want: Writing. Telling stories. Traveling.

I am going to dream – and dream big – and then do.

What is your big dream? What are you doing to make it happen?

*The link to “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” on Amazon is an affiliate link. If you purchase or pre-order the DVD, I will receive a small commission on the purchase. Thanks for the support!

Comments

6 responses to “The Walter Mitty Effect”

  1. Ami Adams Avatar
    Ami Adams

    I love this! I also wrote a blog post after my husband and I watched this movie on our date night. I wrote my post on the way home from the movie! I think a lot of us start settling for our lives the way they are, a lot of times not even realizing it until one day we wake up and wonder what in the world went wrong. We need to get back to dreaming–and not being afraid of dreaming!

    Reply
    1. Abbigail Avatar
      Abbigail

      Yes! We do need to dream and to ACT on those dreams!

      Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, Ami. Can you send me a link to your Walter Mitty post? I would love to read it!

      Reply
      1. Ami Adams Avatar
        Ami Adams

        Yes! ACTING on our dreams is the biggest step we can take! Fear cripples us and then we never move. It’s time to break that cycle! Here’s my post: http://girlbestill.com/2013/12/the-reality-of-daydreams/. I love how that movie inspired potentially hundreds or thousands of people! :)

        Reply
  2. Taffy Avatar
    Taffy

    Mediocrity is lame! :) Love that line. I was listening to a talk today about new year resolutions today. I think one goal that would encompass the whole is: “no mediocrity this year” or “Up my game in every aspect of my life”.
    I watched the movie last week and it keeps coming up in my thoughts. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a movie touch me like Walter Mitty did. And I love Walter and want to emulate his humility and bravery. What an amazing person.

    Reply
    1. Abbigail Avatar
      Abbigail

      Thanks for the kind words, Taffy – and for stopping by.
      I’m not so sure that I could mimic Walter’s bravery. I definitely don’t think I would be able to jump out of a helicopter like he did. What are trying to be brave about this year?

      Reply
  3. Angie Shaw Avatar
    Angie Shaw

    http://mymessymuse.blogspot.com/2014/01/walter-mitty-n-me.html
    Hey Abbigail! We must be kindred spirits because Walter Mitty evoked a similar stirring inside my heart as well! Wanted to share my Walter Mitty-n-Me reflection and let you know that I will be praying for your quest to embark on an exciting, fulfilling un-mundane journey into wherever God leads you in 2014!
    You are invited to come alongside and share mine as well!
    Blessings2you,
    @ngie Shaw
    p.s. Sorry my link to my Walter Mitty-n-Me post appears at the beginning of my comment, rather than here. I’m posting from my tablet & I can’t seem to get the darn thing to move. *ugh* technology! =)

    Reply

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