This past weekend I had a chance to finally watch a movie that I am sure many of you are already very familiar with. It is called “It’s a Wonderful Life“.
It is an old movie, from the 1940′s, but the message it carries with it is timeless, and priceless. It is a movie that often gets played around the winter holidays, as this is a time where many of us can have a chance to reflect on our own lives. As well, the climax of the movie takes place during the “Christmas” season.
I will share a few of my thoughts on the movie, on the message and how I have seen it play out in my life and what it also means for you in your life.
It’s A Wonderful Life
For those of you who may not be familiar with the movie, like I was up to a week ago, it features the life of a man who goes through various trials that shape the outcome of his life and of all those whose life he touches.
The movie begins with a “celestial” conversation where an angel is excited to get “his wings”. All he needs to do is go down to Earth and help a certain individual, who is the main character – George Bailey.
George saves his brother’s life when they are little kids. George saves the lives of many people while working in a pharmacy. As George grows up he often puts off his own happiness for the sake of helping others. In fact George is what many would call a very kind soul, who is always looking out for others first.
This all climaxes at a moment where George, out of his own goodness is put in a very difficult situation. He feels there is no way out, except by taking his own life. This is where the angel, Clarence intervenes and shows George a different side of life. He shows George what life would be like without him for all those whose lives he has touched.
George states “I wish I was never born” – and Clarence makes this happen showing George a whole new world, which greatly changes his perspective on many things.
So how did I like this movie in general?
For starters, this movie is 3 hours long (if you watch the television version). I have to tell you that I did not greatly enjoy the first two hours. The main character, George Bailey’s temperament just did not resonate with me. I guess this is how some people found it “normal” to act in the “olden” days…and some still do, but to me it is not a pleasant energy.
So I stuck out the first two hours more out of curiosity than anything else, as this movie has always been talked about as a major classic. I wanted to know what was it that made this movie so special. Well that answer came in the last hour. This is where the movie really picks up and messages of wisdom start coming through in such beautiful and profound ways.
I did indeed have tears in my eyes in the last scene – it is precious!
I Wish I Was Never Born
That is indeed quite a strong statement – “I wish I was never born“. Have you ever found yourself thinking or saying this? (Of course do not feel compelled to answer, but allow yourself to reflect on it…think about it.) What got you to this point? Why do you feel this way?
This is indeed what the character in the movie exclaims with great passion. I know many people all around the world have said the same thing in their own life at one time or another.
From a spiritual perspective, anyone hearing those words knows your higher being doesn’t mean it. You were not placed here by someone else’s will, but by your own. You chose to be here and now, the way you are in this lifetime.
This is perhaps the biggest thing to understand and come to realize. The person you are, the events in your life have all whether directly or indirectly come from the choices you have made. Choices about how you chose to think, speak or act at any particular time. Change one thing, and the entire course of your life can be changed.
So while I do wholeheartedly recognize that some people really do hit a wall, such a thick wall where they feel there is no way out, this article is not so much about how to heal that, but how to not get there in the first place.
You – your life is a divine gift you gave yourself, and your role here expands wider than you can perhaps ever imagine.
You Are Irreplaceable
Some people may think that their existence doesn’t mean much or perhaps that no one would miss them or even notice if they were gone. However, the truth is that every single person’s life on this planet is special and valuable and irreplaceable!
That is right, you are irreplaceable!
There is no other you, no one who could fill your place. You are truly a unique soul that has incarnated into the being you are. The truth is that on a day to day basis many of us do not realize this or are simply not aware of it, but it does not make it any less true.
Sure we can play down this situation and say things like how we really aren’t all that special. But again, you will most likely never know while in this physical incarnation what a tremendous difference and impact your life has made on millions of people!
For example, think about me and all of you out there who are writers or bloggers. We have no idea who may be reading our articles, thoughts or messages out there, and how it can help their lives or even save their lives.
How about all the teachers out there. Or the nurses or people working beside you in your cubicle. You have a direct impact on them and they on you. And it may just be the friendly hug you gave them, or the supportive words you shared or even an angry yell that changes the path of their life.
Naturally we can impact others for the better or the worse, but we impact them nonetheless.
Reflect on Your Magnificence
I invite you to for just one day at least think about all the people who you have come in contact with in that day. Perhaps it was the cashier at the store, perhaps your kids, perhaps your boss….
Think about how your presence changed their life today.
Did you infuse positive energy into their being or negative energy?
Did you inspire them in some way? Did you empower them in some way?
Every casual “hello” can carry with it an energy that can shift a person’s energy, and thus ripple through the world from the actions taken.
And even if you think that for some reason you are the most “rotten” person on the face of this Earth, then guess what? You still are a precious gift to this world and irreplaceable. Perhaps by you making certain choices, others have a chance to see who and how they do not want to be. This does not make you any less special or valuable, because perhaps without you they would not be able to evolve to become their highest version.
So no matter who you are. No matter what you did yesterday or today. Know that you are a precious gift to this world – a one of a kind magnificent creation – and you do matter. You matter and you are making a difference everyday to so many, even without knowing it.
Enjoy your presence. Enjoy your being and know that you are loved no matter what.
*Photograph 1 provided by FoXMuLD3R
*Photograph 2 provided by by Yuliya Libkina
*Photograph 3 provided by Pink Sherbet Photography
*Photograph 4 provided by by Inno’vision
About the author:Evita Ochel, B.Sc., B.Ed., CHN - is the founder and editor of EvolvingBeings.com – an online publication featuring various topics on spirituality and metaphysics. Evita teaches consciousness expansion and heart-centered living to help people attain deep meaning, peace and happiness in their life. She is also a nutritional science and holistic health expert for optimal health and longevity. Learn more about Evita Ochel or Follow her on Twitter.
16 Comments to “It’s A Wonderful Life and Your Role In It Is Irreplaceable”
Evita,
I’ve thought about this before – and how every choice we make can have such huge impacts. One I’ve thought about is how, had I had other plans the weekend my wife and I first met (or if she had still been dating the boyfriend she had just shortly before that broken up with) – I am positive our paths would have very likely never crossed again. And then, to think of all the thing that have happened since then – that we have done together, and how our lives have played out – it all would have been so different. In fact, I find it hard to even completely grasp just how such small things can have such a major impact.
And this movie, when Clarence grants that wish – really shows how we all have such profound impacts on our world. We all are amazing beings! Unique and no matter what our past has been, it has still been uniquely ours. And people have been impacted by our presence. Evita, when I really let that thought soak in, and how many gifts we do have and give of ourselves, gifts that we many times will never even know about – wow! We really are irreplaceable. And again, as I let all of this soak into my soul, I’m again reminded of just how much positive impact we can make on this world…through love and caring.
I haven’t watched “It’s a Wonderful Life” this year, but I am picturing the ending in my head, when George’s brother comes home, and when George embraces his family…and when it appears the whole town is there to support him. Each of us, in our own special way, makes an impact in this world…
Great observations. Just so you know, the film is slightly over one hour long. On broadcast TV they take 3 hours to show it.
Next time, watch the DVD ;)
This is a wonderful life-enhancing post. I love the film and it’s message. I have felt so useless at times…one time in particular…then someone wrote to me to tell me how much I had helped her cope with the loss of a friend…
Another time I was reminded how much happiness I had given as a performer…
Forest Gump and Groundhog Day have a similar message…as does Heaven Can Wait…
In 1977 ~ I rehearsed a dancer who married someone who she would not have met otherwise. A few weeks ago I met them and there son and daughter, who would not have existed (at least as ‘them’) without my unknowing guidance.
Merry Christmas
Henry
@ LANCE – Oh yes Lance, completely! One move that we made different would have rippled to so many people and created a completely different reality to the one we have.
I find for me, that it is a bit humbling and well, really almost breathtaking to think how the moments we lived, the choices we made along the way have all added up to where we are. Your story is a perfect example of that.
And yeah, that ending was priceless – how the community came together, all that love pouring out was just so beautiful!!!!
@ KAREN – Thank you Karen, and thanks for pointing that out…good point indeed, I added an edit to the article to differentiate between the fact that indeed 3 hours long on regular programming. Makes me think now of how many commercials I sat through…. ;)
@ SOULMERLIN – Hello Henry, oh what a beautiful addition you have made here. Your story warmed my heart in so many ways – thank you deeply for sharing that.
And isn’t that incredible to be able to witness years later, or sometimes hours, or days later, how our presence impacted the life of another, and perhaps helped bring them to the beautiful place they are today. Just incredible!
A wonderful Christmas to you too Henry!
Evita,
I haven’t seen the movie in ages. At the video rental store last week it was between that and “Miracle on 34th St” so I rented “Miracle” and am looking forward to watching it with my children.
Your insights are absolutely right on. I know the suicide rate is highest around the holidays; as many celebrate much about life joyfully during this time, many others feel more despondent/alone. “I wish I was never born” is such a sad statement/reflection of the state of the person’s heart. If you have enough breath to say that, you have enough breath to LIVE. “You are irreplaceable” is an amazing affirmation; I think so many people have ways to deflect that simple, yet absolutely true fact. There are times in utter frustration I might have thought oooh I wish this was different and I am replaceable (work situations come to mind!) but I realize no one brings to the table exactly what I do, and if I am in the moment than I am necessary for it. I know a smile or simple act of kindness can brighten someone’s day–something easy for me can bring joy to another.
What a wonderful post! (smile) I just rented this movie and plan to watch it next week when I make cookies. I agree with you that George Bailey’s personality was a bit irritating in the beginning, but truly the movie’s end makes it all worthwhile. And Clarence! Who doesn’t love a bumbling, unsure of himself angel?!!
There are certainly times when I’ve let myself wonder, “What value do I add?” I can get caught up in society’s memes about needing to do X, Y or Z in order to have value. And then I gently remind myself (or the Universe does it for me) that simply by being alive, I am changing the energetic forces in our world.
Thank you for writing about this great movie and interpreting it in the beautiful ways you did.
Love & joy to you! (And I think I hear a bell ringing somewhere…!)
Hi Evita,
This movie is one of my all time favorites. And even though I have seen it over 20 times, I cry every single time at the end of the movie.
Frank Capra made all his movies with the desire to help people realize how valuable and important they are if they just simply do what is right. The character of George is an example of that. He always did what was right even though he did not get to do all the things he wanted. However, he touched so many lives and in his moment of need, they all returned his kindness. Nothing touches my heart more than when I see people being loving, generous and kind. It truly brings tears to my eyes and this movie just shows how wonderful we all can be.
@ JOY – Oh yes, Miracle on 34th street – I love that one!!!!
And Joy you brought up something I did not even think about when writing this….that indeed depression and suicides are higher at this time indeed. For the most part I think it has a lot to do with the pressure we put on people and society of what a “proper” Christmas is supposed to look like.
And yes Joy! I am so glad you pointed that out, no one does bring to the table what you do, or any of us. This is why I love helping others realize their worth in this world, just as they are. Thank you so much for your insights!
@ MEGAN – That sounds so wonderful Megan and thank you so much for the feedback! And ditto…the ending was so worth it!
And Megan you bring up such a great point…when we compare ourselves to others or what society expects of us, we indeed can be left questioning our own worth or specialness, but you got it and you said it so well, that simply by being alive there is great value in that. I love that! Thank you for adding it in!
@ NADIA – I am actually not familiar with Frank Capra’s movies (that I know of) aside from this one now. Thanks for mentioning that, I will look into what other movies he made.
And yes, it really is amazing to see the loving, kind acts that we do. I think that acts as such a viral inspiration to others to keep that love and kindness flowing.
Hello Evita,
You are so right. We forget how many ripples our lives create, just by our being here! Each of us can bring something special to the world that no one else can. It’s such a beautiful thing to me to see how much alike we humans are and at the same time we are so very unique. Amazing.
We have a magnet on our fridge that says “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you maybe the world” I think that says alot, don’t you? :-)
Hi Evita!
I grew up with that movie – it is indeed a classic and the messages are just as meaningful today as they were back then. I am so happy to read blogs like yours – the encouragement and authentic love is heartwarming!
I’m a big believer in putting positive energy out there and I’ve been working on it so long it has become second nature to me and not work at all. It’s taken decades!!!! I get a lot of weird looks cuz I’m always smiling and happy – doesn’t bother me at all, haha.
Hi Evita! I’ve never seen the movie, but now I want to.
Thank you so much for posting this today. I’ve never wished that I’d never been born, although I’ve often wished I could just roll over and die. Thank you for reminding me that I chose this life and that, therefore, I have the ability to make it meaningful.
Many blessings for the Holiday Season!
@ KEITH – Oh wow Keith that saying on the magnet you created is incredible! I think life is very humbling when you think of it like that. I really like it!!! Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing that :)
@ SUZEN – Hi Suzen, thank you so much for that very meaningful feedback. Smiling and happy works for me too….although I think I should pronounce it even more when out in the physical world…I think I have been holding a lot in for a bit out of fear of how others would perceive it, but your example shines brightly, it doesn’t matter how others perceive it, what matter is that we shower the world with positive energy! Thanks Suzen!
@ HANLIE – Hanlie, the best part about making this life meaningful is that you really don’t have to do anything but be YOU!
I can tell you that your presence, your being has made an incredible impact on my life, more than perhaps you will ever know. Your support and caring ways have meant the world to me. And I love learning from you what you share with the world too!
Happy holidays and happy You :)
It is a wonderful life indeed. “If there is just one gift I can give to someone, it would be the gift of ‘sight’ to let them see how others are seeing them and they would know how special he/she is to them.” That is one of the sayings which I often like to share with people. And being a blogger myself, I strive to focus on love and inspiration because like you said, “We have no idea who may be reading our articles, thoughts or messages out there, and how it can help their lives or even save their lives.” And the Universe is very interesting and it does reply to us … when we listen. There are times when I have doubts if what I am doing can really help others. The Universe then answered through people, through their replies to me.
When I was a teenager I used to think thoughts like I wish I was never born. I was very moody and prone to self hatred. I guess it’s a big reason why I started my blog. I wanted to dissect and rebuild my foundation.
I loved this review. I’ve never seen it’s a wonderful life. I guess It’s time I did. I’m with my parents, wife and child, so maybe it’s time I just did it.
I now realize how much I have to give back and I’m trying my hardest to actually do it. Sometimes I feel like I’m not giving my full potential, but that’s just me having moments of weakness.
Thank you for this post. We all have so much to give back to this earth. We just have to embrace our greatness.
I am convinced that I was visited by an angel once in the physical world. I was at grocery store not too long before I was to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. I had some reservations about hiking it, and I may have been in the process of talking my self out of the Journey. So while at the store, this guy came up to me and said he was so and so and that we new each other from the Boy Scouts. Well, I was in middle school then and this guy would have been older than me in high school and how he recognized me with long hair and a beard, to me would be impossible. I only met him a few times as I wasn’t in the Boy Scouts for very long.
Anyway, this guy was glowing and vibrant. He was so excited and talked about the outdoors and the feeling of being free. I never met anyone so entusiastic about something. He was talking me UP. I asked him where he lived, and he said he didn’t live around here anymore but liked going to these out of the way stores where this market happened to be. Anyway, this isn’t the wierd part. The next day I walk outside to get the paper and there he is across the street walking away from the house looking back at me with the biggest smile on his face that you would ever see. How he knew where my parents lived and where I was staying was beyond odds. They are very private and are not listed. And for him to know exactly when I was coming out of the door is astounding.
This energetic encounter with the association of enjoying life in the outdoors, probably put me over the top in deciding to follow my intention of hiking my first big trail. My life has changed dramatically ever since. Whether this person was really human or not, I will always consider him to be an Angel.
@ BK – Wow BK that is so beautiful to hear! What an amazing heart you have! And yes, we may doubt ourselves sometimes or question if we really are making a difference, but the Universe has amazing ways of letting us know just how important our role here is. I love the themes that you write about and wish you continued inspiration through the new year!
@ KARL – You are so not alone in those thoughts. Having worked with many teens, it was sad to see that so many of them were so sad and really had no self-love. I am not sure exactly how we get to such a point in society where so many of our youth seem so hopeless, but either way the good news is that you connected with yourself to see just how magnificent you are. And you are now bestowing a great gift on others by helping them lead happy lives. Thank you for all that you do!
@ BERN – That is an incredible story Bernie! When I hear stories like that I don’t even blink. I don’t doubt that it was an angel who visited you. It may sound crazy to some, but I believe that the reason you saw and felt what you did is because of the amazing observer you are. When we are still and present we can see so much more around us and in this world. We can see the unseen, we can experience miracles.
That was an amazing encounter indeed and nothing short of a miracle. Thank you so much for sharing this here :)