Wednesday, March 03, 2010

Doubt

This past weekend I watched a brilliant film called Doubt.

And at the end of it, I was literally left sitting there with my mouth wide open in total bewilderment because there were so many things within the storyline, that you as a viewer, are left wondering whether they were certain or doubtful.

Which was the whole point of the film.

Ambiguity.

Five people could watch this same film and come out thinking they saw something completely different, because it’s written in such a way that nothing is for sure.

There is no scripted conclusion.

YOU are left to decide.

But days later, what you eventually realize is that the film really had nothing to do with the subject matter that was made reference to, but more so about the vulnerability of doubt.

For those of you who haven’t seen it, I really don’t want to share anything about the storyline because it would give too much away. This is one of those films that is better viewed without having any sense of knowing the details.

However, what I can share is that it left me feeling about doubt.

There are many different areas in which we may experience doubt, however, I would like to talk about self-doubt.

So here’s a question (not relating to the film):

When you are pretty sure about something, like almost 100%, do you ever still wonder if you’re wrong? Do you think it’s better to act on what you believe, knowing there is a slight chance you may be wrong, or just not get involved for fear of making the wrong choice?

Me, personally?

I tend to make my choices based on my “feelings.” And when I say feelings, I mean that “gut” feeling within myself.

I would rather act on what I believe to be a gut feeling, knowing there is a chance I may be wrong; even though I might be fearful of making the wrong choice.

There have been too many times in my life, when there was no tangible proof that something was right for me, yet, I just knew that it was.

But, do I still doubt myself?

Yes, of course I do.

What if I’m wrong? Should I do it? Can I do it? Am I crazy for feeling this way?

I think there will always be a sense of doubt within me, no matter how certain I am about my gut feeling.

And perhaps this movie shows the reason why.

Not everything is always certain.

Except for the human experience of doubt.