Monday, December 15, 2008

It's A Wonderful Life


"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"

"Dear George, remember no man is a failure who has friends."

Quotes are from: Clarence Oddbody - The Angel in "It's A Wonderful Life" A film made in 1946

One year after the end of WWII
HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MOVIE? If so, please post your thoughts, comments. If not, you NEED to see it. Everyone has something to gain from seeing this film.

This movie speaks to the important questions that most of us have asked ourselves at one time or another: "What would the world be like if I had never been born?" or "What would the world be like if I wasn't here anymore?" " Has my presence in this world made a difference...either for good or bad?"

Realize that we make an impact on our community, for either good or ill. Realize that not doing anything has an impact too. George Baily, the main character of the film, has spent his life "doing the right thing" -( before Spike Lee made the phrase so popular). George is a good man, yet, when things go very wrong...he almost gives up, until he is shown what the world, and in particular his corner of the world, the town of Bedford Falls, would have been like if he had never been born.

I see our Crossfit/Bootcamp community as microcosm of the larger world we all live in. This is our "Bedford Falls". What we do or do not do in this world not only directly affects it, but is also a reflection of our character. I'm not just talking about the physical aspect of training together, I'm talking about what we do and say while training, after training, and in other situations outside of the Academy. I'm talking about the friendships I've seen blossom, the talents I've seen grow in others and in myself. I'm talking about potential made into reality because of the support and encouragement we have given to one another.

I pray that I have a positive effect on my world. I know how much I've benefited from being part of it. You have all in some way touched my life..thank you.

5 comments:

Joanne said...

I love this movie too. It really shows that "just ordinary people" make a difference.

Conan said...

You have touched our lives, more than you know! What a bright light you are for us!!

AdventureSeeker said...

Mountain Goat, you are an inspiration to me. I love your story about finding crossfit and the gains you have made because of it. One day I hope to run as fast as you! :-)

Shannon Franklin said...

Mountain Goat,
You've touched my life too. I don't even know you "that" well, but there's a wisdom about you and a deep kindness that left a mark on me the moment we met, and the times after that as well.

Angelica said...

Well you know you made a difference in my life. Without you encouragement and support in LBC I would not be part of the family today. Thank you for that.

I remember N renting this movie for me in the early days of dating. It made me cry so many times. It really brings so much good feelings and validates that there are people with huge hearts out there that really do want to help out others.

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