JUGHEADS
Youth Juggling Company, LLC
5905 Concord Avenue
Edina, MN 55424
jugheads@comcast.net
612.229.3348

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February 2010

“Life Lessons from Groundhog Day”

For years, I’ve maintained a Top 100 Movie List just for fun. One of my 10 criteria describes a top-ranked movie as “uplifting, inspirational, and motivational to improve my life.” Ranking #38 on my list is Groundhog Day (1993; PG for thematic elements) starring Bill Murray as Phil Connors, a man living the title day over and over again. No one but Phil remembers his actions from the previous day. In a purposely ambiguous timeline (i.e., we don’t know how many months or even years Phil is stuck in the repetition of February 2 where only he changes), Phil goes from confusion to hedonism to despair to self-improvement and selfless (but not random) acts of kindness. He develops new skills both to “pass the time” and eventually to bless others, including card throwing, literature, chiropractic, marriage counseling, roadside assistance, ice sculpting, and jazz piano. Many people of faith (including myself) resonate with the meaning of life in the movie as it pertains to both service of others and individual growth as essential ingredients in personal fulfillment. Phil’s heart changes in his desire to serve others rather than use them for his own whims, and part of his service includes playing the piano at the Groundhog Party and creating an ice portrait of Rita, his love interest.

I admit that I have an ongoing desire to master (or at least pursue) new skills such as playing the banjo, pursuing a graduate degree, and learning new professional skills ala Groundhog Day. I hope to pursue one or more of these areas now that I’m in mid-life like Phil Connors. As for the Jugheads, the coaches and I are constantly encouraging them to make the most of their time here, whether that be a few months or 10 years. Pursuing and mastering “frivolous” skills such as juggling can be very useful in blessing others in unexpected ways. Self-improvement need not be mutually exclusive from selfless (designed) acts of kindness. A balanced life involves pursuit of both loving people and of personal excellence.