It's a Wonderful Life

With a new year approaching and the holiday season already upon us, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle & bustle of December with all the shopping, decorations, and food that typically accompany this time of year. Stress runs high, and with a condition like diabetes where our immune system is already compromised, it is even more important to manage our health and well-being, especially from the inside out.

I watched one of my favorite films of all time recently, "It's a Wonderful Life," and if you haven't seen it in awhile - rent it or buy it because it is worth seeing again and again. Through George Bailey's story and struggles, we can see ourselves - as I'm sure each of us has had times when we felt close to giving up. In the film, George gets an opportunity to look back and see the difference his life has made in his own small way. He is by no means rich or successful by financial standards, but he comes to learn how rich his life is in other ways.

It reminds us of the true spirit of the season, about what is good and pure in this life and causes one to ponder...

It is a defining question. Has my life mattered at all? Am I taking actions that are consistent with who I want to be in the world? Who has benefited from my contribution?

Think about that. Like George Bailey, you may gain a whole new sense of joy and gratitude for what you already have, and peace in your heart for who you already are.

You'll discover that it doesn't take much to make a difference. It just means being a little more human - showing love, acknowledging others, reaching out to strangers, being generous with your time and attention. We are all connected, after all, and even the smallest of gestures can have a ripple effect beyond measure. No one can do it all, but each of us can do what we can.

Your life matters. Give thanks to be alive another day with the opportunity to make a difference. Choose to see the beauty in life's little miracles, including the one in the mirror.

This holiday season, cheers to YOU!

Best Wishes and All My Love,