You might recognize this quote from ‘It’s A Wonderful Life”. And yes, I am fully aware that it is February, way past Christmas season. But this quote resonates with me always, no matter the season or the holiday.

If you have never seen this classic movie, I will give you a bit of backstory. The main character has got it all, and in a matter of days, he loses his foundation due to losing money for his bank. He feels like he is failing everyone. After he wishes he never was born, an angel shows him what life would look like if he had never been born. He was reminded of the friends he dearly loved, the friends he made a difference in and the ones that made a difference in his life. When he sees how life would be like without him, he sees that even his town looks completely different.

If you are in a place right now where you feel like you are a failure, like you are rejected and unloved, I am here to tell you the opposite. You matter because of the difference you have made in others lives. Whether that be the happiness you bring your mother, or the love you give to your best friend, or that one person in your class that values you and you two are sort of becoming friends, it all matters. You matter because of who you have impacted, who you have changed even if you haven’t ever taken the time to realize it.

Sometimes, when bad things happen, our self pity can turn into selfishness really quick. We forget about the fact this life really is not about us. This life is about how we can be a blessing for others.

You will find a greater joy when you make every day about how you can lift others. You will be surprised of how amazing you feel after making this your motive in life. You will not feel rejected, you will not feel like a failure, because you matter. Look around you at who’s still around, and you will see why.

Truth be told, the best things in life are not things.

Are you looking for purpose?

Love the homeless guy you see on the side of the street, give him a smile. Love the person next to you in class who doesn’t know a soul. Love the girl who you seems to always get on your nerves. Love those who you genuinely enjoy to be around. Focus on serving and lifting the burdens of others, and you will have purpose.

You are a blessing. It is just up to you to believe it.

Xoxo,

Ash