“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the ‘present.” – Oogway

I’ve been waiting for Kung Fu Panda 2 since January (I’m a huge animation fan, complete with DVD collections and figurines). Kung Fu Panda 2 certainly did not disappoint with more action, better graphic rendering and also a strong storyline. I wasn’t expecting Kung Fu Panda to dig so deep as Toy Story 3, where it explored themes of team work (“No toy gets left behind”) and moving on with life (“Andy’s going to college”). I admit, I actually shed a tear when Po came to the revelation of the power of choices in the present.

Not all of us had a great start but that doesn’t disqualify us for what we can choose to be now. In Kung Fu Panda 1, the movie briefly touched on treasuring the now – “There is a saying: yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the ‘present.” – Oogway.

As I walked out of the movie theatre, I thought to myself – it’s such a positive message for young leaders. Halogen could weave this clip into one of our modules. I’m sure many young leaders grapple with the “unfairness” of life and that the playing field is not levelled. Kung Fu Panda 2 may seem just like a kid’s holiday movie, but it is definitely much more than that.

Today is a gift. Enjoy it!