As I tapped “Publish” on yesterday’s post, something just wasn’t sitting just so. There was a little nag in the back of my brain. A little glitch niggling me that something wasn’t right. It caused me to delay posting for a bit between when I finished writing and hard launch.
After a little noodling, it hit me like I distractedly walked right into a door frame. It was all just too simple. Too perfect a bow atop an exquisitely wrapped gift.
Here’s the rub: Scrooge is LOADED! He can afford to square himself away for the better. In all reality, he’s got no hardship he can’t face with a little humility and a pouch full of coins.
Our real case/character study should be George Bailey from It’s a Wonderful Life. At the end of the story, that beautiful vignette of the community rallying to raise the missing money was stirring. Let’s be honest, though. They likely did not raise much more than what was needed to cover the loss, even with Sam Wainwright’s blank check offer from the phone. When George and company wake up on Boxing Day, they won’t be, financially, any better off than they were the day before Uncle Billy lost that money. They’ll even still have Potter, the town villain, to manage. BUT, there’s not a doubt in my mind that he’ll wake up no less ecstatic on December 26 than Scrooge did on December 25.
In addition to the phenomenal show of community from his neighbors, customers, and friends, he received a magical gift. He was able to see what life would be like without him. Scrooge was able to see what life was like with him there and what damage he would inflict if he didn’t change.
So what kind of writing exercise can we gleen from today’s thoughts on yesterday’s post?
This one is going to take some effort and bravery.
Write two letters. One letter is asking the people in your life what your value is to them. Reference It’s a Wonderful Life if you wish, but ask them to spell it out for you. It might be nice if you shared with the person what value they bring to your life; all the ways. The second letter is asking the people in your life how they think you could show up better. Perhaps don’t share your observations about them unless they ask. I would also recommend you NOT ask this of the toxic people in your life. You absolutely know who I’m talking about and their answer will only bring you pain and sadness.
Once you’ve written the letters, send them. Don’t send them. Write a story about someone else who writes them and sends them. What happens? What’s the worst that could happen? What’s the best?
Life’s about learning, connecting, and finding new and creative ways to do both so get writing!
Sparks 