As I watch the movie, I can relate to it in so many aspects. George Bailey he had dreams and hopes and in his mind he had not fulfilled them. In many ways we are all like George Bailey in the sense that we have dreams and hopes unfulfilled. Without going into too much detail of the movie, on Christmas Eve George Bailey, head of Bailey Saving and Loan is under a lot of financial pressures attempts to end it all by jumping off a bridge. This really is the turning point of his life, because an angel named Clarence rescues him. Clarence’s assignment is George Bailey and if he succeeds Clarence will get his wings. Then the fun begins. George wishes that he had never been born and Clarence gives him that exact wish. Clarence’s journey through George’s life shifts George’s perspective from monetary problems to the positive effect he has had on others. George realizes that he does want to live and that he has a wonderful life, no matter the money difficulties. Racing home to his family, he finds friends there who have gathered the necessary funds for the deposit, thereby saving the bank. In the end, all turns out well. As George’s family and friends gather around him, a bell on the Christmas tree rings, signaling that Clarence earned his wings.
Some of us might feel a bit like George Bailey this year, financially strapped and not sure how we will make it through the tough times. Maybe we are not sure is the business that we are growing is making the impact that we want it to or is growing the way it should. Sometimes this leads us to be desperate in our thinking and it can affect our entire outlook on life. A reframing of our thoughts takes us away from monetary and economic matters might help remind us as well that there is much good in life and much to be happy about, much to be thankful about. Mainly because it still is such a wonderful life.
What makes us happy? For me it’s giving to others through time, money and my talents. These things tend to make us happier.
George Bailey’s story unfolds in the small town of Bedford Falls. For those of us who live in large cities, it is up to us to help create and participate in communities and associations. These volunteer associations, about half of which are worship-related, provide a way for us to give to others as well as to create social networks that add meaning and context to our everyday lives.
This Christmas season, with so many people in need, try focusing on helping others out of the icy waters, and you might not notice that you are a bit cold yourself. And you know giving to others will lead to an increase in your happiness, increasing your ability to work harder, be a better parent, have a better marriage and become better at your business.
The truth is, I’ve done some cool things this year. I’ve accomplished so many things in my business that I am proud of. I have people in my life I love and care about. So I guess my question to you is what cool things are you doing in your business? And who are those special people in your life that you love and care about? There are just so many things that turned my life upside down and I know have impacted others lives too, and these things have made me giddy and joyful inside. With 2014 right around the corner what will your wonderful life look like?
