Zuzu's Petals

It's getting to be the holiday season. And that means it's time to rewatch a classic, at least in my world. I'm referring to It's a Wonderful Life of course. I'm sure you remember it. George Bailey has had a rough year. (Can anyone relate?) It's been so rough in fact that he imagines that maybe the world would be better off if he had never been born. As luck would have it, that's when the angel is listening and grants his wish. George, and the life that has become so difficult vanishes in the waving of a hand, or was it a wiggle of the nose, or? Well, I don't really remember what the angel did but at any rate, all of the places and people that George had touched ceased to remember him and all the interactions, such as having a wife and children also disappeared.  As did precious Zuzu's rose petals that George had tucked away into his pocket, to save his sick little girl from being sad as she watched the flowers wilting.

Of course George was given the ability of observing all the changes that happened when his soul disappeared from the earth.  With each new twist in the lives of those people he loved and cared for the most, George began to think that maybe his life mattered after all, in spite of all the troubles.

2020 has been a banner year.  And not in the way we usually consider banner years.  I could say, it's been a doozy.  I could say, it has really sucked.  I know lots of people wish this year had never happened.  And yet, if we were to have this year wiped off our memories, what would the world be missing?  What would we be missing?

For me, right away, I have always said this year was magical as my son and his wife gave birth to my 4th grandchild.  That makes all the struggles worth it to me.  It's also the year that a life's work came into being.  I don't want to see that disappear from the earth.  I am sure, in spite of the struggles, you too, might find a worthiness to your last 320 whatever days.

We aren't here to simply have good days.  We haven't been brought forth into life so that we can grab the most toys.  We have not been given one day in order to rise above others.  And we DO NOT have one day guaranteed to us.  I learned this during my years in hospice when babies and children, teens and young adults were faced with their mortality.  Not one day is guaranteed, not a good day nor a bad day.  But it is up to us to show up to our days, whatever they are like and live that day fully.

Yes, this has been an incredibly unusual year.  Those of the status quo have felt the ground beneath their feet shift.  Those who were already struggling have experienced even more difficulties.  We have fought each other.  We have been really ugly to each other.  You know it's true.  So while it might seem worthwhile to wipe this year from our memories, perhaps this year would be better served if we can learn from it instead.

Can We Learn Anything From This Year?

It is my deepest desire we can.  There is much to be gained from taking a step back and asking to be given a bit of wisdom to move forward with into 2021.  Integrative Wisdom's view anyway.  First off, we are in this mess together.  The independence we may so deeply desire is a falsehood.  So, forgetting what any power that be might tell us, what is the right thing to do for the greater good?  We might want to take a bit more responsibility so that we don't have to be told what to do; we simply do.

If you have any knowledge of energy dynamics, you might want to take a look at the vibe you are giving out to the world.  No matter what you believe, your actions matter and they emit a frequency that either is harmonious or causes chaos.  Chaos is inherent in matter, this is true, but the possibilities of creating a world that enhances life depends on coherence.  Pay attention to your thoughts, especially ones that put others down.  Pay attention when you put yourself down.  Pay attention when you despair.  Do not give in.  That is not your birthright.

Look for ways to enter into the beauty of our world.  Don't let yourself be led down the rabbit hole of negative thought patterns, no matter which world view you hold.  Take heart that this amazing universe we are a part of, loves creativity, diversity, joy, laughter, love...

Find ways to take care of your mindset.  Find ways to nip the negative in the bud.  Find ways to be glad that you still have Zuzu's petals in your pocket and that you make a difference just by being here.  Your presence here in this exact time is important to us all.  I hope you can believe...

Love,

Your Soul Catalyst,

Verna

PS come visit the new website:

The Soul Catalyst