I just watched The Pursuit of Happyness. It has just joined my A-list of emotional movies.

There are a precious few movie characters that I actually feel for. Chris Gardner, brilliantly played by Will Smith, is one of them. He went from full of hope to destitute and the first portion of the movie shows us how NOT well-off he was. And when things got bad to worse I felt some moisture welling up my eyes.

Its not one of those things in movies where the hero goes through all sorts of shit at the beginning, the troubles Gardner faced were very real.

The worst part is that he is a bright man.
No, the worst part is that he is honest and diligent.
No, the worst part is that he had to take care of his son when he could barely manage himself.
No, the worst part is that it was based on a true story.

By the time the first half of the movie passed I have already begun to appreciate more the things that I have, and the things that will hopefully come my way. What would you do if you suddenly find yourself homeless and you can only take what you can carry?

Watch the movie. You’ll learn a few things. Here’s what I learned.

1. When opportunity knocks, ANSWER.
2. There are times when it helps to bluff a little. Genius is knowing exactly when.
3. Hard work alone will not land you on the moon. You have to look ahead and be ahead.
4. Your children is/will be the most important responsibility in your life, ever.
5. Never lend your money to anyone whom you know won’t pay back. There are other ways to help.