It is a Great Life–Even After Divorce
I used to be on a airplane a pair days in the past, and I spent the three-hour flight watching the 1946 Christmas film, “It’s a Great Life.” I’ve seen components of this film at the very least 30 instances in my life if I needed to guess, however had by no means really watched it from begin to end.
I’m going to make a blanketed assertion: That is BY FAR a film that each single particular person on earth wants to look at. And, we have to watch it yearly. Not solely as a result of James Stewart is lovable, or since you’ll expertise intermittent tears and laughter all through, or as a result of the idea is type of fascinating, and even since you’ll really feel good for days after seeing it. The rationale it’s good to watch “It’s A Great Life,” particularly if you’re going by way of a divorce or are divorced, is due to its underlying message: how completely blessed you might be.
Sure, blessed. Irrespective of what’s going on. Even if you’re considering this: “How do YOU know I’m blessed? I’m going by way of the worst divorce on this planet. My husband cheated on me and left, I’m 50 and I’m going to be alone eternally, I’m broke, I’m previous, I’ve to return to work, I’ve a lot anger and resentment, my children are going to be screwed up…”
Within the film, George Bailey (performed by James Stewart) is a man who has a dream: depart his hometown and journey the world. Sadly, due to life’s circumstances, he finally ends up operating his father’s firm, getting married and having 4 children.
Years later, the corporate isn’t thriving financially, largely resulting from George’s generosity and fervour to serving to folks in his neighborhood. When uncle Billy (George’s uncle and enterprise companion) misplaces the agency’s deposits ($8000—which was lots again in 1946!) the loss places the agency getting ready to chapter, leaving George despondent, offended and bitter. After a number of drinks at a neighborhood bar, George is about to leap off a bridge when he meets Clarence, his guardian angel—a lovable character who has issues of his personal, primarily the truth that after 239 years, he nonetheless hasn’t earned his wings.
After George declares, “I want I’d by no means been born,” Clarence has an thought. He decides to take George on a journey of what life could be like for others (and for his hometown) had he by no means existed. When George sees how significantly better off a whole lot of persons are as a result of they know him, he realizes his self-worth, how a lot he loves and appreciates these round him, and that it doesn’t matter what occurs, his life is, properly, great.
I gained’t let you know the ending, however I’ll make one other blanketed assertion: it’s actually essentially the most stunning ending of any film I’ve ever seen, and illustrates love, gratitude, and religion in a approach that may have you ever sobbing—in a great way.
So what I need to ask you is, do you’ve got an exquisite life? Positive, divorce is tough. This vacation you won’t be feeling the gratitude you’ve got prior to now. You is likely to be considering, “Why is that this occurring to me? I’m particular person, I don’t deserve this.” The longer term might sound scary and miserable, and also you won’t have any motive to suppose issues are going to get higher. I perceive. It’s OK to really feel these emotions and to cry and be offended and truly, even to really feel bitter.
BUT, I’ll reply my query and say, “Sure. You do have an exquisite life.” Pull a Clarence and picture what your life could be like if you happen to have been by no means born. The obvious final result: your children wouldn’t be right here and also you wouldn’t know your loved one household. For me, moreover, I can title about 10 {couples} who wouldn’t be married had it not been for me setting them up or me introducing them. Meaning their children wouldn’t be right here both.
Additionally, Divorced Lady Smiling wouldn’t exist. The tens of hundreds of emails and social media messages from folks asking me for recommendation and help would by no means have existed. That makes me really feel proud and it offers my life which means. That is the tip of the iceberg. If Clarence took me on a journey like he did George, I’m certain I’d understand numerous different issues that might make my life significant.
In closing, if you’re feeling in any respect like your future appears bleak, or you might be scared or careworn about what’s going to occur, don’t take into consideration that proper now. Why? One since you are sensible and you’ll determine it out as time goes on, and two, issues have a approach of falling into place when folks make good choices and do what’s proper, like persevering with to be the most effective father or mother you might be and doing all of your job the most effective you know the way and being variety to others and following your passions and doing what you like to do.
As an alternative, take into consideration what you’ve got TODAY. That may not imply a husband anymore, and also you might need some huge issues, akin to a damaged coronary heart or monetary troubles. However, if you happen to dig deep in your coronary heart and deal with the folks you contact every single day and the nice you place into this world, in different phrases, your price. Like George, you too will understand that the truth is, it’s an exquisite life.
