It’s a wonderful life!
I am sure most of you have either grown up with, or at least seen, the movie “It’s A Wonderful Life,” starring Jimmy Stewart. Directed by Frank Capra, the film was released in 1946 but is still a Christmas-time favorite on TV. I know all of you reading this who relate to angels, DP (dead person) experiences, dream visits, synchronicities, etc. can also relate to that movie.
The story is about George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) who is in a dark mood and wishes that he was never born. An angel (Henry Travers) appears and arranges an alternate reality so that George can witness what life would have been like in his town if he were in fact never born. George observes the alternate reality and realizes all the good he has done, and how many lives he has helped, and how everything would have been very different in a negative way if he had never been born. He wants to go back to his real world, and manages to get there, feeling all the better.
What a wonderful reminder that we must take time to focus on the positive.
I’m also reminded of a quote from Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Meeting so many of you throughout my travels has made my life more wonderful, and hearing George Bailey-type stories from many of you always warms my heart. Never lose sight of the fact that you make a difference in other people’s lives.
In last month’s newsletter, I talked about this with regard to the fires in Northern California and the hurricanes elsewhere. So many George Bailey-type folks stepped up to help others, and make a difference.
Recently, I was in the doctor’s office doing a routine check-up when one of the technicians came by. I did what I often do, and started a conversation. I learned in a very few minutes that the technician was from Haiti, and that after all these years in New York, she still didn’t like the cold but loved her job. The conversation went from that to how her grandmother would not go to sleep at night until they had a conversation.
The technician went on to say how she grew up in a mud house that her grandfather had built, and how all the family still goes there to carry on traditions, pass down stories, look at the sky, and take in the nature of the island. She stressed that every year she takes her children to her home village where they all engage in family traditions, and show their respect for elders and Nature.
I listened attentively, knowing that I had just shared a bonding moment with a kindred spirit. And like George Bailey, she recognized so many wonderful things about her family. Most impressively, she has been engaging in these family gatherings since she was three years old. That, my friends, is a gift.
As Christmas approaches, the little ones will be looking forward to their holiday gifts. But let us not forget that when the children grow up, and the toys are all but forgotten, what the kids-turned-adults will appreciate most are the happy moments shared with family and close friends, and the differences made in the lives of others – just like George Bailey during his wonderful life.
Looking forward to my last “Home for the Holiday” event in Sturbridge, MA with Thomas John on December 19th. Of course, I’ll also be gearing up for 2018 as well. There will be some new places to attend, and old places to revisit. Looking forward to meeting old and new friends along the way.
Wishing you the best Holiday Season ever. As my special gift to you this season, I’m offering a full hour of readings live on my December radio show! My special guest will be Austyn Wells, spiritual medium and soul gardener. The show will air on Monday, December 11 at 6 pm EST / 3 pm PST on Blog Talk Radio. I hope you will join us!
