The Groundhog: Prophet or Pariah?

Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures & New York Times. 🙂

Most are familiar with the popular ‘Groundhog Day’ tradition…  Using the shadow of a large (albeit cute) rodent, to predict the onset of spring weather. 

And most, at least reading this blog, are probably familiar with the 1993 movie, starring Bill Murray as a TV weatherman who is caught in a time loop in Punxsutawney, PA…while covering the famous Groundhog Day tradition, and the world famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil.

In the movie, Phil Connors (Bill Murray) is stuck reliving the same day, over and over and over again.  The movie is really, really funny.  But in the end, a deeper purpose is revealed. 

You see, Phil was only released from his time-loop prison, once a personal transformation had occurred.

Phil went to Punxsutawney as a man full of contempt and ingratitude.  He left as a man devout to love and gratitude, and with a deep appreciation for the innate beauty in every person.

So I ask you…which concept of Groundhog Day are you living?

Many of us use the start of a new year as a time to reflect, and hopefully to pivot.

Are you Punxsutawney Phil?  Have you awakened, seen your proverbial shadow, and moved into the next season of your life?

Or are you a person reliving this same pattern, year after year after year.  Do you find yourself waking up on New Years day, committing to the same change as you did last year?  Are you caught in a time-loop, and feel like you’re constantly starting over, never truly advancing towards that vision of your best self?

I have a confession to make.  I feel more like Phil Connors, than I do like Punxsutawney Phil.

Phil the groundhog predicts finite change.  He checks out his shadow, and says here and now…THIS is when spring will begin.  A decisive proclamation by a woodchuck who can.

Phil the weatherman requires countless iterations of the same day, of the same moments.  He wakes up each day with frustration, that he hasn’t yet moved on or moved forward.

But you know what…he learns more and more each day, that every day spent in gratitude and love and appreciation, is a day worth living, and in fact repeating.

Phil Connors eventually broke through.  And so will I.

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