“We need our dreams more than ever” is a line from the recently released movie: Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris. Where a post-war-widowed charwoman (cleaning lady) from London pursues her dream of owning a Christian Dior gown.

Of course, I watched the movie hoping to see vintage French couture, scenic images of London and Paris, and all the inner workings at a luxury fashion house. (And I was not disappointed.)

But, I came away with much, much more.

I sighted an analogy between the ravages of post-wartime and post-Covid. In both, there is major loss and despair. Similarly, both tragedies affect the entire world.

In Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, Ada Harris feels she is going through an “existential crisis” (a term coined by French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre).  An existential crisis refers to feelings of unease about choice, freedom, and meaning in life.

Are any of you going through an “existential crisis,” now that COVID is behind us (well, somewhat)? Has your life moved in an entirely different direction? Are you doubting ideas and values you once held dear? Do you feel your dreams have gone to mush?

In short, “Are you questioning your place in life?”

My very wise 31 year-old daughter recently wrote this to me in a text:

“It has been hard these past few years–I mean we were in an alternate reality with Covid. But, now it’s time for us to build better habits and be the best versions of ourselves.”

I would add that NOW is the time to pursue our dreams. What is your dream? To paint? To take up golf? To learn a new language? To travel? To become a master chef or gardener? To adopt a pet? To get in better shape? To write a book? To plant a garden?

It could be something as simple as cleaning out your closet. (Yikes, did I just say that?)

As Ada Harris would say,

“How many chances do you get in your life?”

I give it 4+ STARS–and, if you couldn’t tell, I had to watch it twice to catch the quotes. Haha.