I’m about to get all sentimental and flowery. Bear with me, and you may

agree. Hands down, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) is my favorite

movie. (Yeah, me and a large army, I know, I know.) As I approach 40 it’s

starting to take on new meaning, and I realize why it’s resonated so

strongly with me all these years.

Basically, Charlie Bucket in his purest form is determined, hopeful and a

survivor. He never gave up and kept reaching for that Golden Ticket.  He

always believed something better awaited him.  Through triumphs and

letdowns, Charlie found his way. And that’s no joke.

When I look around at so many people, it breaks my heart to see wasted

potential.  People let things get the better of them, and somewhere along

the way ambition diminishes. It happens to the best of us.  We lose sight of

the Golden Ticket. For some, the Golden Ticket may be a house, career,

family or even a soulmate.  For others, it may be a cure for

illnesses, happiness or just one day with peace of mind. If everyone

took the time to figure out what their Golden Ticket is, I think we

would all be better off.  When we cease to better ourselves, hope dies

and that’s just not a good place to be.

Through my own life experiences, I’ve had what I thought was the Golden

Ticket. It’s been ripped out of my hands many times, and replaced only to

be lost again.  It’s taken me a while to realize I’m probably still looking

for it. But, like Charlie Bucket, I won’t stop trying. And when I find

myself in trouble, I’ll just tell myself, “Burp, Charlie! It’s the only way

down.”