1951 brought us Alastair Sims in the title role of “Scrooge” – an adaptation of, “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens. Dad and I watched it together on a weekend where I also visited my stepfather, who is close to passing. Seeing my stepfather in such distress made the film far more impactful.

I’m sure you’re familiar with some variation on the theme. Scrooge is the villain and the hero of his own story – a distinction that comes from the choices he’s made and has yet to make. He is guided in his review of his options by 3 spirits: the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.

The self-examination is too painful for Scrooge, and he repeatedly asks the spirits to stop, but they persist until each trauma is played out in full. As I grow older, I am seeing the distress of more and more folks as they are dying. There is often a dropping of the filters that they had protected themselves with throughout life, and often a delusional awareness of violence – often done to others that they are aware of. Unaddressed trauma emerges accompanied by great sorrow and regret.  Not my normal cheerful blog, I know, but we often avoid thinking about these important matters.

Scrooge repeatedly justifies his inaction, though these justifications diminish as the spirits present more of a case for change. What I find fascinating is Scrooge’s assertion, “I’m too old,” and, “There’s no hope for me.” The story shifts to hope when Scrooge realises that he may be late to the party but he is not too old, and he can change.

This is where my 4G comes from (lest you thought it was the 4 ghosts in the plot!) It is the New Scrooge. Scrooge the Generous, Scrooge the Grateful, Scrooge the Gracious, and Scrooge the Gregarious. These 4Gs will give us all a good reception in whatever afterlife there may be and they offer a superb guide to a life well-lived.

Alastair Sims portrays an almost manic joy as Scrooge adopts his new path – very relevant to moods and Moodscope. Thus, there may be a lesson for us here for we may all become more generous and grateful, gracious and even gregarious – finding new joy. 

More than this, I wonder what will happen if you and I don’t commit to changes that we already know would serve us well. For me, I know I ‘must’ lose weight, reduce my alcohol intake, eat more vegetables, and make sure I keep moving. Like old Scrooge, I can creatively generate all manner of justifications for inaction.  But if I don’t change my ways, where will I be in 5 years, or in 10, or more?  What will it take to move me (or you, if this resonates too) to action?

One thing I know, the right stories can help. Thank you Scrooge!

Lex

A Moodsdcope member