A Small Act of Self-Love

I went and saw this movie at the IMAX tonight. It was a last minute decision on my part that ended up being the exact nourishment I needed.

Being in the field of mental health and addictions right now, especially when I don’t get paid for the work I do, nor do I have a professional team I get to turn to and lean on for support, is exhausting. In the last two years, I’ve repeatedly found myself ready to throw in the towel on my advocacy. This is obviously a passion project for me as there’s no way I could continue if I didn’t genuinely care—and, unfortunately, that care has a breaking point. I’m slowly learning how to balance empathy with boundaries so as to avoid another burn out, which hasn’t been easy.

I was planning to go to an AA meeting tonight but I received an email this afternoon from the Royal BC Museum’s IMAX (I have an annual combo pass) promoting what was on. Tonight was the last night of this film: “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” As soon as I read the description, my soul felt called to see it.

I ended up going alone as I tend to enjoy flying solo (I did invite my sister but she couldn’t make it). I loved how Kiki’s witchcraft was rooted in kindness and aiding her community. I also enjoyed the trust and independence she was given at such a young age, her relationship with her familiar (Jiji), and the childhood crush story that unfolded between her and a local boy (he became absolutely enamoured with her on first sight where it took her a while longer to warm up to him).

In the seats in front of me, was a lone dad with his young daughter, which I thought was very sweet. I needed everything about this experience tonight. It’s rare that I watch movies or TV. I don’t generally enjoy watching shows unless I have someone to curl up with. For me, tonight was a treat—an act of self-love and self-care. It reinvigorated my heart, reminding me of what I need to nourish my own magic (so to speak—for those who’ve seen this film 😉).

Thank you IMAX Victoria and Royal BC Museum for this showing!

Screenshot from the IMAX Victoria email list.