How a Film can Change your Life...

My birthday is this Weds. September 2nd. I don't tell you that because I want a gift although....lol. I tell you that because I am looking back today at 5 yrs ago. 5 years ago I turned 40. Now you know my age! But seriously, I am writing this from the depths of who I am and what I believe to be true about life.

In my 39th year, I walked into a theatre to see a film because it had one of my favorite actresses in it, Diane Lane and the film was called "Under the Tuscan Sun"...and it changed my life.
If you haven't seen the film it basically is about a woman named Frances who gets a second chance at life by taking a leap of faith and follow her heart beyond what her logical mind told her. It is when she decides to do this that her life totally changes and opens up and by the end of the film she summarizes that "Unthinkably good things can happen...", which has since become my tag line for my business.
I left that film and something shifted deep within me and I got really honest with myself. As I did, I remembered that I had a dream since I was a little boy to go to the South of France. Don't ask me why...I didn't know. I just did, and I knew beyond a doubt that I had to do something.
So, I began to take the steps to do just that, go to the South of France for my 40th birthday. After a year of dreaming, wishing and lots of planning, 5 of my best friends and I took a 3 week trip to Paris , Provence and many little beautiful villages in between. It was amazing!
I fell in love with France on that trip. It's charm, topography and it's indescribable "magic" all swept me up as Frances was swept up with Tuscany.
On that trip I found a new me. A me that is far less fearful and more willing to embrace the unpredictability of life. I realized I had a choice and now I follow my heart. I am forever grateful for that trip and that I have made this choice.
In the last 5 years my life has changed dramatically. I no longer work at a job, that I knew I had stayed at way too long. I have had the privilege of having the opportunity to help people in many new ways; by making them feel and look beautiful, opening up their hearts, educating their minds and being more open than ever for them to teach me. My friendships have changed, shifted and deepened. I have attracted some amazing new people into my life, who I adore. I have also started two new businesses and most importantly,I no longer do anything that I don't love doing and I am feeling great! And thank God, it is all still unfolding as we speak.
Don't get me wrong, my life has ups, downs and ins and outs, but the difference now is that I no matter what happens on the outside, I have peace inside because I do my best to listen and follow my heart.
I know it may sound strange or even weird, but that is what "Under the Tuscan Sun" has done for me. It started me on a course that literally changed my life.
I'm not sure where you are in your life, but if you are feeling any inkling that you need a confirmation to take some kind of leap, check out this film. It may not move you as much as it did me, but it has beautiful scenery anyway, even if it doesn't speak to your heart...but,who knows we may see each other in Provence!