Groundhog Day: The Same Thing is Happening Over and Over Again!

Happy Groundhog Day?

Is this really a holiday? Really?

Did he see his shadow? Does it matter?

Regardless of the validity of GH Day, it's got me thinking. Less about the significance of that little 'hog, but more about the classic Bill Murray movie.

Think the groundhog went on a crash diet for this part?

You know the one. You saw it in college and kept watching it and watching it until you developed a taste for it. Just like beer. At first it kinda sucks. But soon, it's the best thing ever.

If you've never seen this 90's gem, try tuning to FX or TBS - it's probably on right....now. If you're all like "that movie came out the year I was born" I say "this is pop culture history! if I had to watch Meatballs you have to watch this. Honor thy father('s favorite movies)"

For the uninitiated or un-media-obsessed, this is the movie where the guy repeats the same day over and over and over. Hilarity ensures. The humor takes a dark turn. Groundhog drives truck. Guy falls for girl. Guy has revelation about how he can't keep living the same way anymore and find happiness or true love. Guy gets girl. Guy finally escapes Groundhog Day. The End.

There's a lesson in the post, I promise.

The concept of the movie has had me thinking about a few things today:

1. Nothing is Going to Change Unless You Change...FOR GOOD
Phil (the main character, not the groundhog) tries surface attempts at change, but the universe keeps booting him back to that Sonny & Cher song. It wasn't until he made actual, deep changes in his approach to life that he was allowed to move on.

Same for losing weight. If you're just going on a "diet" then expect those changes not to stick...and expect that weight to come right back. You really need to change your approach to food and exercise. I'm preaching it, but struggling to practice it right now. Luckily I have a supportive husband who has my back, and reminds me when I'm veering. We're working on doing it together so it sticks. We have some bad habits to kick (take out, drinking, etc), but we're working on getting these things out of our life.

The last time I lost a good amount of weight was before our trip to Maui in 2010. I probably gained half of that weight back before I even got off the plane. Why? I did it for the trip, not for life.

See Moonrise Kingdom. Seriously.

2. Bill Murray Looks Better Now than He Ever Did
It's never to late to overhaul your life and body. The human body is uber resilient. It can transform...regardless of age. Sure, common knowledge says men age better, but I think that is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Look at Jane Fonda. No, really. LOOK AT HER. That's what you get to look like at 75 if you take care of your body (and probably have stem cell facials, but whatevs).

3. I Already Cashed in My Couch Time
If we get a definitive amount of time to do things in life, I may be fresh out of allotted time to veg out and watch TV. So I'm a little media obsessed - I LOVE my TV, movies, and magazines. I'm not ashamed. I truly enjoy pop culture stuff. Good television, moves, and magazines though. Stuff that makes me use my brain usually. However, that kind of hobby isn't conducive to moving my body. Summer is easier when I can get outside without freezing or putting my baby at risk for frost bite. I need to learn to either watch TV on my iPad while I workout, or DVR less stuff. Luckily TV is sucking more, so my queue can be cleared in a shorter amount of time.

4. I Have A Lot of Work to Do
Let's face it. Couch time is but one aspect of things I need to change for good. I feel like it's a pretty good step to be aware of the fact that I need to be retrained. The first step is admitting you have a problem, right? I'm ready to take responsibility, get off the couch, and make some changes!

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