The Bucket Project

Into the Labyrinth...

This is the first post of 2016 from The Bucket Project and I originally intended to write about resolutions, the New Year and remembrance. Instead, I find myself drawn to writing about the death of David Bowie, which was announced today.

While many other articles are focusing on his influential music career and how he defined the 70s; I’m fondly reminiscing about my favourite childhood film from the 80s - Labyrinth. I’d watch this film obsessively and would annoyingly recite the script as I watched and rewinding if I got one word wrong. The influence that this movie had on me can’t be measured in any unit I’m aware of.

 David Bowie as Jareth in Labyrinth, 1986

The key message I took from the fantasy film is that life isn’t fair. But we can deal with that and anything life throws at us, if we have those we love around us and take time to help out others in times of need. No one is getting out of this alive so let’s live the best life we can, and help others to do the same.

The Goblin King, Jareth, may have been the villain of my favourite film, but his fantasy character oozed charisma and charm and was the person who delivered the key message the most. It is strange how something as simple as a childhood movie can shape attitudes and behaviours in our adult lives. I, for one, carry this deep message with me in daily life and it helps me get through tough situations. If I ever find myself saying “it’s not fair” my mind responds with “no, it’s not fair, but life goes on.” And I have Labyrinth to thank for that.

"Time is short"

Sadly, David Bowie and Jim Henson won’t get the chance to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of this iconic film on 27^th June 2016, though David Bowie did get a last chance to celebrate his recent 69^th family with loved ones.

I won’t end with a New Year message, but rather with a hope that you enjoy every day in your own ways, make many happy memories and look after each other.