It's A Wonderful Life

The world would be a very different place without you.

Imagine watching scenes of a world without you. My favorite holiday movie is “It’s A Wonderful Life.” As seasons have passed, I have come to more deeply appreciate the message of this story: the far-reaching impact of a single life.

"It's a Wonderful Life” opens with the lead character, George Bailey, contemplating suicide. It's a heavy start to a holiday movie. The plot is raw but real. George was on the brink of financial ruin, struggling in his relationships, and lacking a sense of purpose in his work. When he compared himself to his peers' accomplishments, he didn't believe he measured up. These aren’t fictions of a movie plot—they are struggles of humanity.

Buckling under the weight of his world, George was desperate, unsure how to carry on. As everything seemed to close in on him, his field of vision narrowed. He could only see one way out—taking his life. He was moments away from an irreversible decision that would take his pain, multiply it, and hand it to everyone around him. Then, his plan to jump off a bridge was interrupted. Shortly thereafter, George was afforded a rare glimpse into how radically different (and markedly worse) the world would be without him. This visit to an alternative universe snapped his attention. It altered his perception. He realized that his presence on the planet mattered—a lot.

We don't get to watch the reel of what this world would be like without us. Still, we need to live, love, and work knowing that it will count in ways that we will never fully know. Think about the people you care for the most. What would your life be like without them, and theirs without you?

We rarely get to see the full effect of our influence—however small or seemingly insignificant. Consider this: a single conversation or statement can alter the trajectory of someone's entire life. In turn, they will go on to impact countless others.

Our impact is often unseen. In my clinical practice, I typically know my losses but most victories are invisible to me—and always will be. Transformation in psychotherapy isn't limited to what I witness while clients sit in my office. The real magic happens when they walk out my door and go on to lead altered lives years after our last session. I know the work I do makes a difference, I just often don’t get to see it. I press on regardless because I trust the process. I stay centered on my what and my why—in all roles, all spaces, for everyone whose path intersects with mine.

I live in my own Bedford Falls.

You do too.

This holiday, I'm not sure where you see yourself in the arc of the "It's a Wonderful Life" plot. Maybe you are the man on the bridge, depressed and discouraged. Perhaps, your heart is holding the joy of the closing scene.

Wherever you are when these words find you, remember: you have been given one life.

Only one.

Use it on purpose, for purpose.

It's not guaranteed to be easy. Often, it won’t seem fair. You aren't promised an existence without struggle. Instead, you are guaranteed pain and disappointment.

But this one life you have—it is a gift. A powerful one. And that is a truly wonderful thing.

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If you’re interested in more strategies for strengthening self-awareness and raising your EQ, don’t miss Finding Joy:

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