It's a Wonderful Life

This time of year, I do a lot of reflection. Like George Bailey in the classic 1946 movie by Frank Capra, there was a time when I wondered if the world would be a better place if I wasn't here. No, I didn't jump off a bridge and there was no guardian angel Clarence. However, there were family and friends who reached out to me during those dark times to show me that my life was worth living.

This Christmas season, as I step back and consider the choices I've made throughout my life, I realize they were the right ones. I am a rich woman. I have two loving, supportive, healthy daughters, I have work that makes a difference and more friends than my house can hold at a time.

Have you ever made a career decision that you regretted?

Ever had a setback professionally, personally, financially?

Or, maybe all three at the same time?

I remember trudging through chapters in my life when I felt like a failure, when I beat myself up for being a loser.

After all, why wasn't I like others I knew who, on the outside, seemed to have their life "together.”

Early in my career, I had a business that grew rapidly, then folded, despite my Ivy League education.. What was wrong with me?

Without reading the fine print, I left a high tech company right before it went public. By a matter of days, I missed the window to exercise my stock options. My hard work to recruit and retain top talent that drove the product development, sales, and profitability that preceded the initial public offering … … the 65-hour work weeks that stole precious time, gone forever, with my girls. All for naught.

I pleaded with the CEO and the VP of human resources. "No, Rose there is no grace period. You missed the deadline." (For anyone who has stock options, this is a PSA: read the terms and conditions of selling your stock.)

There have been many times that I've missed the mark and didn't reach the bar that I'd set for myself. There have been chapters when my life didn't look like I thought it should. Each of those choices led me to where I am today.

When I step back and reflect on my life, I realize how wonderful it is. It has nothing to do with possessions, a house, awards or titles. It has to do with what's in my heart.

This weekend, I've had the opportunity to spend time with my daughters. They are brave, courageous, smart, resourceful, passionate, hard-working, determined and compassionate young women. They are my greatest blessing and gift from God.

There are many things I wish I hadn't done and some crises I brought upon myself. Yet, I see that every experience in life is a loving teacher.

Sometimes, I didn't get the life lesson. A wise man once told me we will repeat the experience until we learn to love whatever it is that life is trying to teach us. It's taken awhile for me to truly understand that. That knowledge resonates deep within me today. For that, I am truly grateful.

Today, consider all the experiences (yes, even those you've judged as "bad") that have brought you to this moment.

Sit quietly. Write a list of all the blessings you have in your life today.

When you focus on the good in your life, like George Bailey, you, too, may realize

"It's A Wonderful Life."