Treasure True Friends: A Reflection on 'The Queen's Gambit'

Life is short. Spend it with people who make you laugh and feel loved.

Surrounding yourself with people who radiate joy, laughter, and affection can infuse your life with greater meaning and fulfillment. These connections not only offer support, happiness, and a sense of belonging but also nourish your soul, fostering positivity in your life.

In the film "The Queen’s Gambit," Elizabeth Harmon discovers such a nourishing connection with her friends, particularly Jolene.

Beth experienced a loss of sponsorship when she declined to endorse anti-Russian propaganda. The world of chess became a battleground during the Cold War, with the 1972 World Chess Championship match between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky, famously known as the "Match of the Century," drawing significant international attention. This event was viewed as a microcosm of the broader Cold War struggle. Fischer's victory in that match was hailed in the United States as a symbol of democracy and individualism triumphing over the Soviet's communism and collectivism. US Chess champion Benny Watts explained to Beth why the Russians dominated the chess world, "They play together as a team. They help each other out. As Americans we work alone because we are all such individualists, we don't like anyone to help us."

Regrettably, due to the frequent defeats of American chess players against their Russian counterparts, the U.S. government showed little interest in supporting Beth. Moreover, being a woman, she faced skepticism from American politicians who doubted that a woman could conquer the male-dominated chess world. It was Beth's friend Jolene who came to her rescue by providing the necessary funds, allowing her to travel to Russia and emerge victorious in the tournament.

In times of need, true friends shine brightly. Jolene succinctly captures this sentiment: "We weren't orphans, not as long as we had each other. I'm not your guardian angel. I'm not here to save you. Heck, I can barely save myself. I am here because you need me to be here." They shared laughter and, without a doubt, felt loved.

Do you have a friend like Jolene? Such friendships are rare gems in today's world. Cherish them!

When was the last time you laughed heartily and felt genuinely loved?

For many of us, our minds often drift back to our childhood memories when we could be ourselves without wearing masks to gain acceptance because we were unconditionally loved by our friends. Childhood typically represents a simpler, more innocent phase of life when emotions remain pure, untainted by the complexities of adulthood. We were free from the burden of wondering, "If you really knew me, would you still like me?" Such concerns typically occupy the thoughts of adults. This is why we often feel compelled to present ourselves as "cool" or perfect companions. We don various masks of different shapes and sizes, attempting to conceal aspects of ourselves we dislike. We even hide our emotions and opinions to preserve relationships.

The desire to be accepted for who we truly are, without any pretense, is entirely natural. Yet, the fear lingers that those we love might not accept or love us in return.

In our childhood, relationships tend to be more genuine, less influenced by external factors like social status, work, or obligations. During our formative years, we instinctively gravitate towards those who bring laughter and love into our lives, as this quote reminds us of the vital significance of such connections. Childhood memories often hold some of the most emotionally charged experiences that stay with us throughout our lives.

Recalling these childhood experiences can stir feelings of nostalgia, a powerful emotion that envelops us in comfort and warmth, causing us to yearn for the carefree and joyful moments of our youth. However, our childhood days are long behind us, and life is ever-changing. That's precisely why when we discover true friends in our adult lives, we should treasure them, recognizing that these bonds may not endure forever.

Who are the people today who fill your life with laughter and love?