I always have wanted to see the Statue of Liberty in the New York harbour. Over the years of watching various television programs the iconic gift from France is used to create a recognition of location and immediately you know where you are. She stands tall and proud there in the water representing so much to so many.
In the movie Titanic the main characters are standing at the very tip of the ship looking at the horizon and one says, “I can see the Statue of Liberty already, although she is very small!” Thousands of miles across the ocean and yet in his mind’s eye she is clear.
In the movie Hitch the main character calls in a favour and gets a special audience with the book of signatures and has it open to the page where the object of his affection will see her ancestor’s signatures. It comedically backfires, however, there is no doubt that the Statue of Liberty was the icon of freedom and a new start for many immigrants.
For many years the Twin Towers also stood as icons when looking at the New York skyline. Many movies and television shows used them under the opening credits to set the scene. Sadly enough, now when one sees a movie and the twin towers stand, it dates it to pre-2001, as that was the day Alan Jackson asks, “where were you when the world stopped turning?” So the towers have become an icon in different ways.
Oprah opened her show for so many years showing the iconic black John Hancock building and we always see Superman fly over the Chrysler building where there are two look-a-likes. One in Chicago and one in New York, so this icon can be deceiving.
Over the past few years, many shows that are set in New York are actually filmed in Toronto and as locals, we see the iconic landmarks in the background and know immediately where the characters are standing. Places like the Royal Ontario Museum cannot be cloaked or daggered no matter what the Suits camera people do!
The CN Tower shows you are in Toronto and over the past week the beautiful panoramic view of the red tower was the backdrop for the 40th Scotties Tournament of Hearts, where the Olympic park was lit up in the background showing us the Calgary skyline. Each location has something that sets it apart and marks it with uniqueness giving us context.
What are your icons? What makes you recognizable to those who know you? What sets you apart when you walk into a room or add your two cents to a discussion? Do you stand out or do you fit in?
What makes you different from any other person and, when filmed, what is seen first and foremost that makes people say, “I know where I am?” and when they do is it with joy, comfort and excitement? Do you stand tall like the Rockies and are you talked about in awe like the CN Tower?
Can people see into you like looking at Niagara Falls after paying a quarter to open the lens? Have you rooted yourself firmly in your memes, model of the world, and location, never to be swayed or pushed over or are you like the wind ready and willing to go wherever the spirit calls you?
When the final credits of your movie scroll up the screen, with the panoramic view of your geography in the background, how will people know it is you in that pine box or in that urn on the table. Will you be proud of what is said in your eulogy?
Just yesterday, I wrote a story for a running magazine to be published about the current DanCyn’ Adventures challenge. It is hard to view yourself in a positive light and it feels odd to be writing well about yourself doing something great and accomplishing goals and dreams. Living life to the fullest because it makes you happy and never letting others push you over.
That said, it is because we are raised to be martyrs and to cost our own happiness for the sake of others as if our happiness is core to another’s. I have had it asked how I got this opportunity to write for you, the readers. I answered because I asked for it and believed I can do it. The joy I get from thinking others may benefit from my words is something I want to be said in my eulogy.
Sharing tools, thoughts and stirring words brings me joy which in turn brings joy to you. I am building brick by brick my own Eiffel Tower because I believe I can build it and I believe I can be my own icon. Some days I feel it looks more like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and those are the days I work harder than ever to remember what I want to be said in my eulogy.
Who are you and what is your landscape? When a loved one cries after you are gone, why will they be crying? What will they remember about you? Your iconic strength, your iconic love or your iconic passion? What is seen when someone looks upon your horizon and the sun is coming up from behind your profile?
What greets them in your harbour like Lady Liberty? As they fly into your airport are their white letters of welcome like the HOLLYWOOD sign? Are you proud of your icons, your skyline and the first glimpse that people get? Have you cleansed and grieved the dark alleys and the bowels of your city? Do you stand tall with arms wide and open like the Jesus statue in Rio de Janeiro? Or do you sit and ponder like The Thinker by French Le Penseur or the great Buddha as he overlooks Hong Kong?
We create the icons of our own lives and build history and remembrances. How do you want to live your life and, in turn, be remembered? What can you do today that will go down in history and be your story told or the smile on your ancestor’s faces as they see your Mount Everest pictures in their mind? Want an interesting challenge to write your own eulogy! I dare you!
Cynthia Breadner is a grief specialist and bereavement counsellor, a soul care worker and offers specialized care in Applied Metapsychology with special attention to trauma resolution. She volunteers at hospice, works as a LTC chaplain and is a death doula, assisting with end-of-life care for client and family. She is the mother part of the #DanCynAdventures duo and practices fitness, health and wellness. She is available remotely by safe and secure video connections, if you have any questions contact her today! [email protected], breakingstibah.com
