Reflections on Nomadland

bookandfilmglobe.com

Since winning the 2021 Academy Awards for best picture, actress, and director, there has been considerable interest in the film Nomadland*, based on the non-fiction book written by Jessica Bruder. We had the privilege of hearing a presentation by Bruder in February 2018, shortly after we embarked on our own variation of nomad living. (You can read our personal account on Re-Ignite's BLOG.)

Nomadland is about a widowed woman who loses her job and her home and joins the growing number of Americans living out of vans as they search for work--and meaning. The film is raw, fascinating, and pertinent for those of us in midlife and beyond.

Here are some of our thoughts as we reflected on Nomadland:

• Nothing is permanent. Things can change in a moment. You can lose your job, your spouse, or your savings with little to no warning.
• Older people are resilient. They’ve been through “stuff” and have insights to help them persevere through difficulties.
• Creativity is the key to survival.
• The search for meaning and perspective is ongoing.
• Purpose is enduring. Sometimes it plays out differently in new seasons and circumstances.
• There is strength in community. Connecting provides support, touch, understanding, and new insights.
• You are not less valued as a person because you are houseless. 
• Learning to live simply is advantageous. Purge now.
• Life can be lonely and hard.
• We all yearn for hope.

(*Please note: the movie is rated R for multiple reasons. Viewer discretion advised.)

Next week we'll hear from Richard Bergstrom with "NOMADLAND is Not New, It's in the Bible."