It's a Wonderful Life

   My all time favorite movie is, "It's a Wonderful Life" starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. I know some of you are in shock my favorite movie is NOT a football movie. Don't get me wrong, I have a list of football movies I love, they just don't come anywhere close to having the impact "It's a Wonderful Life" does on me. Beginning on Thanksgiving, I watching this movie about 3-4 times during the holidays. I know every single line by heart, but still tear up several times in the movie. It was produced twenty-six years before I was born, but I have a connection to this movie like no other.
   If you have never seen "It's a Wonderful Life" watch it now! Just make sure you watch the black and white version. It's just not the same in color.
   At some point in our lives, we all have a "pity party" and begin questioning things about our lives. Are we really loved? Do we really have a purpose? Why do things sometimes not go our way? We've all been there and luckily there has always been someone to pull us out of that funk. Life is exactly what we make of it and if we do it just right, we can truly have a wonderful life!

   It's a Wonderful Life has taught me:


 1.  We are significant in the lives of more people than we can imagine. Our significance does not just begin and end with family and friends. We come into contact with people every single day and have the opportunity to leave them with an impression. Good or bad, it's up to us how they will remember us. Chances are, one day when you really need someone, those people you left a good impression on will be there for you without even asking them.

2. There will always be a "Mr. Potter" in our lives. You know, the one person who is so miserable their only joy comes from making everyone around them miserable? They may seem really big and may get under your skin, but they don't control your happiness. You do.  Don't give them power over your day.

3. Family is the glue that holds us together. Never go a day without telling your family how much you love them. Always leave with an, "I love you." You never know if that's the last opportunity you have to tell them.

4. No matter what "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" makes you think, money will never buy you happiness. If you spend your entire life with the goal of getting rich, you are missing out on the meaning of life. Sometimes the happiest people are those who are happiest with what they have.

5. Helping others often does more for us than the person we are helping. Never miss an opportunity to reach out a helping hand. Do something kind for others simply because you want to. Kindness doesn't cost a dime, yet it can make someone feel like a million bucks.