When I get really beautiful notes or feedback from people or when I have a big ah-ha and think I’m a freakin’ genius for a moment, I make a point of noting that and tucking it away for what I like to call a “George Bailey moment.”
You know what I mean; that moment in It’s a Wonderful Life when James Stewart’s character George is at the end of his damn rope on the snowy bridge and drowning in a wave of “what do I even matter anyway?”
We all have waves of that sometimes: when we feel like we’re working into a void and nobody gives a shit about out art or when a situation feels hopeless or when we’re broke or when the world is hard on us or when shit is unfair or when shame feels high or any number of things. Very human George Bailey moments. And, they’re fucking awful.
I don’t know about you, but I like to save for them with an emotional emergency fund. Even if, in such moments, I have to remind myself to go find and read the damned thing.
Today, if you are feeling more like the delighted and energized George Bailey at the end of the movie, write a note to yourself to read in moments when you’re feeling more like the hopeless George Bailey at the start of the film.
If you’re feeling more like George Bailey at the beginning of the film (and, to be sure, I’m the star player of team grumpy over here today for sure), write what you fucking wish someone would say to you or do for you today to remind you that you’re actually pretty damn good. Let’s do this. I’m rooting for us all.