'In A World...' changed my life a thousand per cent. I feel

Hear the words of Lake Bell: “‘In A World…’ changed my life a thousand per cent. I feel thankful that something I believed in so much—I love dialect, so I dedicated five years of my life to making a film about it—yielded such rewards. It led to ‘Man Up,’ as well as ‘No Escape,’ which comes out later this year… two movies where I am the female lead.” These words are the song of an artist who poured her life into a vision, uncertain of its outcome, but who discovered that faith, labor, and patience could open doors to destiny. They are words of gratitude, born from years of struggle and crowned by triumph.

The origin of this reflection lies in Lake Bell’s first feature film, In A World…, a project she not only starred in but also wrote and directed. It was no small undertaking; it demanded years of devotion, research, and persistence in a world where opportunities for women to direct and lead were often scarce. Her love of dialect, of voice and language, guided her through five years of creation. This was not a work pursued for easy profit, but a labor of love, rooted in passion for a subject she cherished. The gratitude she expresses flows from the deep truth that when one follows a calling with heart and perseverance, the reward, though uncertain, can be profound.

History gives us many examples of such devotion. Consider Johann Sebastian Bach, who labored in relative obscurity, composing works not for glory but out of love for music and faith. Much of his life was spent serving small congregations and court chapels. Yet his relentless devotion, his persistence in perfecting his art, created a body of work that would later be recognized as some of the greatest music ever written. Like Bell, Bach followed passion more than promise, and though the rewards came at different times, the principle is the same: dedication to what one loves, even through hardship, yields fruit in the end.

There is also a teaching here about the power of belief. Bell’s words remind us that no great achievement begins with certainty; it begins with conviction. For five years she held faith in her project, without knowing whether the world would embrace it. Many abandon such paths, fearing loss, rejection, or obscurity. But she walked forward, trusting that her love for her subject was enough to sustain her. And when her work bore fruit, the rewards went beyond her film itself, leading to greater roles, greater recognition, and new opportunities. Belief turned into blessing, persistence into power.

Her gratitude also teaches the importance of patience. In our age, people seek immediate success, expecting instant recognition for their labor. But Lake Bell’s story shows that greatness often demands years of unseen effort. To dedicate five years of life to one vision is to live in discipline, humility, and hope. Gratitude at the end of such a journey is sweeter because it is born not of ease, but of endurance. Those who endure with patience will taste a joy unknown to those who give up too soon.

The lesson, then, is this: follow what you love with discipline, and trust that gratitude will meet you at the end of the road. Do not measure the worth of your passion by how quickly it bears fruit. Instead, honor it with devotion, knowing that love is the strongest foundation for labor. Even if the world does not immediately reward your effort, you will still have lived faithfully, creating something that mattered to you—and that alone is worthy.

Practical actions rise from this wisdom. Identify what you truly love, even if it seems small or strange in the eyes of the world. Dedicate yourself to it with persistence, not seeking only quick gains, but valuing the long journey. Practice patience, endure the years of labor, and when success comes—whether large or small—receive it with humility and gratitude. And most of all, when doors open as a result of your labor, use them to continue growing, creating, and inspiring others.

Thus, let Lake Bell’s words endure as a teaching for future generations: to love deeply, to labor faithfully, and to remain thankful always. For passion that is pursued with devotion can transform not only one’s career but one’s very life, turning a private dream into a lasting legacy.