I had the opportunity of sharing in one of my favorite childhood past-times this weekend several years later- The Muppets. Like many others, in my turkey induced coma after our Thanksgiving feast, we hit the theater to see my furry little idols come to life. My husband, who wasn’t really a fan growing up, asked me for several days prior what makes the Muppet franchise so special? My answer of, “They just are,” somehow didn’t seem to appease him.
So in honor of Joe who always causes me to think a little harder about what I say, I have spent some time reflecting on why the Muppets are so special in the lives of many of us. I think it has a lot to to with the way they choose to live. So living vicariously through the Muppets, here’s a preliminary list (as the full list would be way too long to post) of some Muppet mottos which make the Muppets way cooler than most humans:
1. They stick together– Like any good family, the Muppets find a way to come together and unconditionally care for each other no matter what the situation.
2. They know how to laugh– Through every wrong turn, they know how to laugh about the situation and they can always take a minute to pause for a good laugh.
3. They travel with a Swedish chef– They will never go hungry and it seems they are always eating gourmet. Need I say more?
4. They are always up for an adventure– They are presented with constant challenges which they accept with grace and humility. They never pull the ‘woe-is-me’ card and they always give every challenge their best efforts, as outlandish as it seems.
5. They are not afraid to be themselves– The Muppets are comfortable enough in their own skin, or should I say fur, that they randomly break into musical song and dance numbers describing who they are or who they wish they were. They aren’t concerned of how others might react to the ways that they are feeling.
6. They know how to live it up– The Muppets travel all around the world, they dine at the best restaurants, attend the most exclusive parties and even make cameo appearances in the most unexpected places.
During the movie, Jason Segal breaks into song singing the “Am I a Man or Am I a Muppet?” ballot and I couldn’t help but identify. For years, I’ve wondered the same thing. I find that there are a lot of striking similarities between me and my puppet friends sans the lavish lifestyle. My husband has also described me as Muppet-like to others, which probably most spouses might take offense to, but it makes me incredibly happy. If I have learned any lessons from the Muppets, it’s that they have a lot more figured out than we humans do. So my challenge to all of you is to start this week off being less like a man and more like a Muppet ;p.