So last weekend I went to see the new Bridget Jones movie – don’t worry there aren’t any spoilers if you have yet to watch it. 

It was one of those films where I found myself laughing and crying at the same time.

Depending on your age, you will either be like myself, and may have followed Bridget through her 30s, 40s and 50s or maybe you have watched some of the films and thought they were funny. 

Whatever your age I am sure you can relate to Bridget in one way or another.

I was in my early 30s when I read the first book written by Helen Fielding. I had been living abroad for 5 years and wasn’t sure what I wanted or where I even belonged.  It took me a long time to feel settled back in the UK.

For me, like many of my friends, my 30s were a time of having lots of fun and finding my way but by my 40s I knew who I was and exactly what I wanted.  I thoroughly enjoyed my 50s because I think a new confidence emerges and now as I move into my 60s I am happy to “be”.

There were so many reasons I loved this film and many of my friends agree.  I think we can all relate to her story.

The wonderful solid friendships that have been consistent in her life and it was refreshing to see that they have also aged along with the rest of us. These long and lasting friendships demonstrate how good friends are always there for us, especially when things don’t always go according to plan and life throws us curve balls.

I loved the part when she picks up a photo of her with her Dad as she recalls the conversation between them. He asked her to promise him that she would “live” her life. It was as this moment that she decided to start “living” again after 4 years of grieving Mark Darcy.   

I always believe when people have passed away they can still influence us through memories especially when recalling past conversations. This moment in the film captures that beautifully.

Anyone that has been through grief knows it is a roller coaster of emotions, one minute you might be feeling ok the next feeling guilty and you can’t help wondering if you will ever be happy again and how you will get through. There are no time limits or any order of how or when you will go through the stages of grief and this film touches on this subject with both humour and sensitivity. 

Then there was the beautiful white owl that featured in the film. I always believe in looking out for messages and signs from people that have passed away for example white feathers, robins.  Again, the film did this. The children took comfort in seeing the owl every night before sleeping.  The owl was looking over them just like a guardian angel or how their father would have done. 

So whatever stage you are at in your life remember that life is a gift and it is for living and Bridget is a perfect example of how to begin dipping one’s toe in the water and remaining optimistic.  After all we only get one life in our current form. 

I would love to know what you took away from the film.