2020 has been a difficult year. People’s livelihoods have been lost, stressful situations exacerbated, addictions amplified, fears fueled, and tragically death has resulted for far too many. In January, none of us would have suspected what was about to unfold could possibly happen, but here it is. In burdensome times, it often becomes hard to see beyond the moment. This is a very natural, human response, but it is also one that we need to overcome in order to persevere through this ever-changing journey of life. This year has tested the outer-limits of people’s fears, beliefs and self-confidence.
The title of this blog is taken from the classic movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”. The story follows the life of George Bailey, who reaches a point in his life where it seems all is lost, his problems are too great, and he is thinking of ending it all. The timing is rather ominous as it’s Christmas. While watching friends and family’s lives turn out differently than his, and finding the building and loan business he inherited from his father on the brink of failure, George resolves to end his life by jumping from a bridge. His down on his luck guardian angel Clarence, has other plans though. Clarence is charged with showing George what life would have been like if he had never been born.
On the night George reaches the deepest point of his despair, and he wants to end his life, he goes home first where his family is preparing for a Christmas party. George is in an incredibly foul mood, and acts extremely nasty and verbally abuses everyone. The whole family is alarmed by what they are witnessing. George learns that his daughter Zuzu is in bed with a cold. She apparently caught it walking home from school, having not buttoned her coat because she didn't want to harm a rose that she had been given. George goes up to see her. While handling the rose, some petals fall off. George puts them in his watch pocket.
It is these rose petals, Zuzu’s petals, that later become symbolic. After being granted his wish of never being born, George is taken on an eye-opening odyssey that reveals what would have occurred in the lives of many people, had he not been. This was a nightmarish vision that leaves George begging Clarence for his life back. Upon his return, George rushes home to find the townspeople have gathered at his home and have taken up a collection in order save the failing building and loan business. During the time George spent seeing what the world would be like if he'd never existed, the petals he had placed in his pocket disappear. When he comes back to reality, they're there again. He excitedly shouts, "Zuzu's petals!!! Zuzu's petals!!!" as he holds them. For George, they became a token touchingly symbolizing all the love and life that wouldn't have existed if he'd never been born. The flowers represent life and reality.
And so, it is in the closing moments of this tumultuous year that I send to you dear reader a shamanic blessing. May the difficulties and challenges of 2020 be left behind. May the healing that is needed in this moment be yours. May great insights and knowledge be given to you as you reflect back on the experiences you have passed through in this chapter of your journey. May you always know that you and your life are a gift. May you find meaning in both your joys and your sufferings. Finally, in this moment of letting go of the trials and tribulations of this life-altering year, may you find your version of Zuzu’s petals in your pocket, reminding you that there is always hope that things can be mended and made better.
Comments