Yes, I’ve written about Star Wars before. Earlier this year I compared celebrations in the saga to those in my own life, but now, we’re just days away from celebrating another milestone together, my Star Wars family and me: the end of the Skywalker Saga that started 42 years ago.
Every Saga Has a Beginning… However, it was only 20 years ago that that I was first introduced to the story of space wizards, aliens and the force. I wasn’t alive for the original trilogy. I didn’t grow up with Han, Luke, Leia or Chewbacca and for me there were no princesses or smugglers. I eventually did fall in love with the magic and adventure of episodes IV, V, VI, but that was after I was introduced to trade negotiations a Queen and battle droids. The Phantom Menace was my Star Wars. Somewhere between the ages of two and five, I experienced the original trilogy as a VHS combo-pack. Special editions, of course. I saw Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith in theatres in the years after. I never get bored of senate discussions or CGI battle scenes. I have nothing but love for my introduction to the saga. A Jedi Shall Not Know Anger. Nor Hatred. Nor Love… And over the last two decades I have experienced a lot of Star Wars. I don’t think there has ever been a better time to be a fan of all things pop culture, including the Wars. During this time, I’ve learned a lot, and answered the call to my own hero’s journey, if you will. I learned that we all have a dark side to conquer. Like Luke in the cave on Dagobah or like Obi-Wan facing the terrifying Darth Vader, there comes a time when we must face the darkness this universe has to offer. Sometimes, that’s our own personal demons. Sometimes, it’s our failures coming back to haunt us. Whatever the case, being fast to anger or hatred is the pathway to the dark side. The hero always fights for the oppressed and always does the next right thing. The Circle is Now Complete… Then teach your children how to be kind too. Pass on all you know. It’s our duty to the galaxy to teach the younglings the lessons that we’ve learned. As Master Yoda said, “we are what they grow beyond.” Honestly, each generation isn’t that different from the last. We all have a story to tell and can learn from one another. Our egos are what keep us from seeing the Sith’s master plan. There are people who want to divide us so that while we are fighting each other, they can move in the shadows as a phantom menace. Communication is key to closing the gaps. It’s a circle that, if interrupted, cannot be completed. Talk to people you don’t know or don’t like. You might find out that the Tusken Raider isn’t a savage and actually speaks sign language…if you can indulge my super specific metaphor. A Long Time Ago in a Galaxy Far, Far Away… Another thing I learned from Star Wars is that we don’t all look alike, and that’s okay. Remember the cantina scene in A New Hope where the bartender specifically engages in some droid-racism? Not cool, at all. It’s better not to be lemonade Linda or Barbeque Becky or the bartender in the Mos Eisley Cantina. Everyone in this world has an important part to play and we should all learn to get along. Beware of old white dudes sitting on their thrones asking you to give in to your anger. They want to use you. There Has Been an Awakening, Have You Felt It…. Sometimes, you don’t know when an end will lead to a new beginning. An awakening, even. As Star Wars fans we have had the opportunity to say goodbye to the Saga three times now. The dread of saying goodbye can sometimes be too much for anyone, but behind every goodbye is the opportunity for another hello. Let people go. If they really mean something to you, they’re never really gone. Whether it’s a force ghost or a forbidden attachment, no one’s ever really gone. Let the Past Die, Kill It if You Have To…. And don’t hold grudges. Sometimes you’re granted the rank of master and you aren’t allowed a seat on the council. These things happen. It is better to let go of the negative emotions we sometimes hold against another person. Life is too short to waste it away with a grudge that is insignificant in the long run. One’s happiness is entirely dependent on their attitude. You can make your own destiny just by looking for the good in the world. The Saga Come to an End. The Story Lives Forever… Above all, don’t let anyone make you feel less important than you are. You don’t need to be the chosen one or have a high midichlorian count to know you matter in this world. Whether your parents are junkers who sold you on Jakku, or you are the grandchild of Darth Vader, hold your head up high and be who you are meant to be. The Star Wars story is littered with themes of lineage, personal journey and more. Life has changed drastically since I was a little boy with a crush on Natalie Portman. I don’t know who I would be without this incredible Saga in my life. When I was at my most fragile, during the hardest times, Star Wars became an anchor in my life. If you aren’t a Star Wars fan, and I’m surprised you made it this far in this article if not, then find joy in something you do love. Hold onto that happiness and don’t let anyone try and snuff out your light. May the force be with you forever. [email protected] @GrahamWoodMedia
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Erick L. Graham Wood
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