Scarlett O'Hara, Project Manager Extraordinaire
May 13, 2011
By Guest Blogger, Mary Schmidt, Marketing Troubleshooter
"I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow."
" ...after all, tomorrow is another day."
Over the years, I've watched Gone With The Wind many times. Read the book at least ten. And, as I've gotten older and gained experience, my perception of Scarlett has changed. (I wince at the racism...but it was written by a southerner, from a southern perspective about the war.)
Say what you will about her methods, she used what she had and she got things done. She came flouncing across my mind on a long drive back from Oklahoma recently. I had just spent a week sitting by my mom's bedside at the hospital...when I wasn't running madly around rural Oklahoma taking care of the myriad details associated with a parent's transition from independence to "assisted living."
Tons of data, lots of details, and a crash course in the joys of Medicare. Sad, bad, and a bit scary, I admit. However, what got me through (and is still working for me as I plan mom's move to Albuquerque), is my biz background in managing complex projects and all kinds of people.
One.Step.At.A.Time. Keeping the end goal in sight at all times. Just as Scarlett did in keeping her family alive and holding onto Tara.
The things I just couldn't/can't think about right now...well, that's background processing. I think about it tomorrrow. And, lo and behold, tomorrow really is another day.
I'm headed back to Oklahoma this weekend...hmmm...maybe I should take that old copy of GWTW.
nice post. i really love it.. thanks for sharing.
Posted by: sijagur | May 14, 2011 at 10:15 AM
Yvonne, Shonali and Mary, GWTW was one of my all time favorite books and movies. Much of Scarlett's petulance and selfishness in the movie was really in my opinion a reflection of her youth, as she matured she had determination, drive, she was a master (or mistress lol) of persuasion...she studied her "audience" perfectly in order to get what she wanted. In my 20s I was probably more petulant and selfish....you rely heavily on your looks in your 20s much more so than when you get older. As she matured she learned that her brains and determination and her will to survive would save her. "Tomorrow is another day" is so true, I think that is why I have always loved mornings so much. A clean slate.
Posted by: Caren Gittleman | May 13, 2011 at 10:08 PM
Scarlett was selfish and petulant, in the movie. In the book, I found her strong and resilient. You do what you have to, no matter what, to survive. For yourself and your family. That's what she was all about. I love that you saw the same things I see in her - I sometimes wonder if anyone else does.
Posted by: Yvonne DiVita | May 13, 2011 at 10:03 AM
I love that way of looking at Scarlett. The other thing about her... no matter how mean & nasty she could be, she was a survivor.
Posted by: Shonali Burke | May 13, 2011 at 09:44 AM