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When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. May all off your stumbling-blocks be turned into steppingstones.

Sometimes we may tend to look at life and think someday I will do such-and-such and/or I am lacking in one way or another. Instead, try to consider yourself to be a success now. You don't have to wait to become a success. "It's A Wonderful Life," a movie classic starring Jimmy Stewart could be used to illustrate this point. It dealt with a lot of inter-related topics, including the meaning of life, reasons for not committing suicide, the value of family, friends, a sense of community, our own lives and our effect on the larger picture.

We are all important and, even though we may think we may not have accomplished anything in the world, we actually have helped a lot of people just by existing and interacting.

The film shows how the hero is driven to consider suicide. Then, the film goes on to show what life would have been like if he were never born.

Jimmy Stewart says he wishes he was never born. Then an angel is sent to show him what his family's, friends', and acquaintances' lives are like in a world where he does not exist. He is in fact very important in the lives of other people.

As I tried to commit suicide many years ago, I now am thankful to G-d for saving my life. I've been given another chance. I plan to never attempt suicide again even though I may think about it every now and then.

Now, I seek out professional help, read religious and secular inspirational writings, and try to think about the meaning of life.

During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, "It's a Wonderful Life" will be shown again and again on television. During the rest of the year it can be rented and/or bought in video stores.

Anyone desiring a lift in life should see this inspirational film. Its lessons transcend all walks of life and can be valuable for anyone, whatever your personal situation. It can also help you to see materialism in a different light, as part of what bothers Jimmy Stewart is his financial problems. Even though money might have some importance, our fellow human beings are more important.

I have a very good friend who is devoutly Catholic. I mentioned to him that even though we have similar beliefs, there are some differences. He said he sees us both as standing in the same room while viewing the same object, but from different angles. Happy holidays everyone. Simply living makes us all a success!