Do you hear the bells? Every moment I hear a bell, no matter the time of year, I repeat the line from the movie "It's a Wonderful Life..." Where George Bailey's daughter says "Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings." I feel as if my own personal struggles have helped many an angel get their wings over the years. When I first moved out of my house almost ten years ago, my mother gave me this jingle bell wreath right in time or Christmas. It’s not on trend of handmade by her, but a simple jingle bell wreath that alerts me when the door opens or closes. It’s a reminder of the angels that are all around me. Past present and future. I even keep a single bell on my tree for the same reason to be reminded that I do have a wonderful life, no matter the struggles I face.
This time of year is supposed to be the most wonderful time, but I can’t help but be the voice of so many that are struggling. I want it to be the most wonderful time of year because I love Christmas and the joy and wonder it brings to my world, but that doesn’t mean it can't be a difficult time as well. Trying to keep up with others, trying to make family and friends happy, trying to listen to your own heart and listen to what it needs is a juggling act that is not easy.
George Bailey was so distraught in it’s a wonderful life that he needed an angel to show him what the world would be like if he wasn’t in it. At times when I feel really low, I need to remind myself of the people I affect positively, the ones that recognize the goodness in my heart and the effort I put in to keep others’ feelings in mind. I have learned that there are times where I need to be selfish. I need to think of my own little family first. My health and my happiness is number one.
The angels that are all around us are there to lead us to light and love. We just have to listen because sometimes we are so blind and preoccupied to see the signs that are right in front of our faces. I’ll never give up hope no matter how difficult life seems. The bells are there and I hear them ringing loud and in the distance. My message to you my dear friends is to keep fighting. Keep looking for that spark that will help you keep going.
Look to the faces of your children, your animals, your family members, even the faces of the ones you’ve lost whether they’re in this world or not. The bells will ring for you again. Those faces are constant reminders for you to keep pushing. My friend reminded me to find one thing I love to do each day and make time to do just that, even for a few minutes. The bells are ringing for me and I know they mean my angels are near. It’s ok to lean on them from time to time. But you have the magic in you. I promise.
xoxo- Jacqueline
