During a recent flight to Paris, I stumbled upon the movie Ordinary Angels, starring Hilary Swank. I hadn’t heard of it before but decided to give it a try—and it spoke to me deeply for numerous reasons. Inspired by a true story that took place during the 1994 North American cold wave, the movie follows Sharon Stevens, an alcoholic in denial, portrayed by Hilary Swank. Sharon encounters the heartbreaking story of Michelle, a young girl who has just lost her mother and desperately needs a liver transplant due to biliary atresia.
Moved by Michelle’s plight, Sharon initiates a haircut charity at her workplace to raise funds for the family. What starts as a simple act of kindness evolves into an obsession—a way for Sharon to confront her issues with alcohol and discover a new purpose: redeeming herself and rebuilding her relationship with her estranged son, which her alcoholism had fractured.
The Impact of Addiction on Purpose and Relationships
Addiction, in any form, can disrupt lives, shatter relationships, cause financial strain, and blind us to our life’s purpose. Some addictions are obvious, while others are subtler and harder to identify. Overcoming them depends on various factors, including the depth of addiction and the level of support available—whether from family, friends, or even strangers.
Studies reveal that addiction often functions like a habit. Overwriting it with a healthier habit is one of the most effective ways to overcome it. However, this can lead to yet another addiction, though not necessarily a harmful one. As depicted in Ordinary Angels, Sharon replaces her addiction to alcohol with a relentless drive to help others—a shift that gives her life meaning.
I resonate with Sharon’s journey. I’ve faced my own battles with addiction, starting with alcohol, moving to online gaming, and eventually redirecting my energy into creating One Daily Tale. In my experience, meaningful change requires two essential elements: a deep desire to improve and an alternative focus that steers us away from unhealthy habits. For me, the COVID-19 quarantine was pivotal—it eliminated access to bars and social gatherings, effectively cutting off both drinking and smoking habits in one fell swoop.
Boosting Neuroplasticity for Lasting Change
Addictions are rooted in the brain, so fostering a healthy brain is key to overcoming them. Neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt—is most active until around age 25 but can be maintained well into later life with intentional effort. Activities such as exercising, meditating, learning new skills, cultivating social connections, smiling, embracing challenges, and shifting to a growth mindset all enhance neuroplasticity.
The key, however, lies in balance. Addiction represents an extreme imbalance, so restoring equilibrium through purposeful and varied activities is essential for a healthy life.
Taking Action: The Power of Small Steps
Another profound takeaway from the movie is Sharon’s determination to make a difference by taking action. Though some elements may be dramatized for cinematic effect, the core message rings true: change only happens when we initiate it.
Before starting One Daily Tale, I believed societal norms were immovable and that our only option was to adapt. I’ve since realized this mindset is flawed. We all possess the ability to influence society in meaningful ways, no matter how small. The foundation of this impact lies in cultivating a healthy brain and taking deliberate steps toward positive change.
Inspiration from Notre Dame de Paris
Walking the streets of Paris yesterday, I admired the nearly restored Notre Dame cathedral, a testament to human resilience and collective effort. The reconstruction required money, time, and dedication from countless individuals. It’s a powerful reminder that no significant achievement happens in isolation.
We each hold the power to contribute positively to society. By lifting one another up, rather than dragging others down, we can achieve remarkable things—together.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Have you ever faced an addiction or an unhealthy habit? How did you overcome it—or how do you plan to? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below!
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