This is another article from the mysterious guest poster. Like last time, this person gives an excellent life lesson that can be applied in many different situations. There’s some great information here, so enjoy! (Finally; check out this post if you want to get more out of life this Christmas.)
“Well, today a friend told me this sorry tale
as he stood there trembling and turning pale
he said each day’s harder to get on the scale
sort of like Jacob Marley’s chain.” –Aimee Mann
I am sure you have all seen it. Perhaps many times; maybe even the execrable Jim Carey version. I am talking about the Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol”. You may be wondering why I am discussing a Christmas theme in August ? Well the answer to that is all about the character of Jacob Marley’s ghost.
In case you do not quite remember Marley, let me remind you. Marley was Scrooge’s old business partner. In life he was likely every bit as bad as Scrooge. He has, of course, died and he comes back to Scrooge weighted down with heavy chains.
“But it’s not like life’s such a vale of tears
it’s just full of thoughts that act as souvenirs
for those tiny blunders made in yesteryear
that comprise Jacob Marley’s chain.”-AM
What is the meaning of Jacob Marley’s chains? Marley says the chain was, “forged in life. I made it, link by link and yard by yard.” This is important part to me, because I think this is an inherent truth. We are all the sum of our past, everything we have done has brought us to where we are today.
Think about it. Do you have things you have done in the past that you regret? Roads that you wished you had taken but didn’t? All of these are links in your chain and things that are holding you back. The links can be heavy and if steps are not actively taken to address regrets from the past the chain can get so heavy it can bring about loss of momentum. I believe this is how people get “lost”.
“Well, I had a little metaphor to state my case
it encompassed the condition of the human race
but to my dismay, it left without a trace
except for the sound of Jacob Marley’s chain.”-AM
Now the question big question is was Marley an undigested bit of beef, a blot of mustard, a crumb of cheese or a real ghost come to help Scrooge. He could even have been Scrooge’s own subconscious crying out for help.
The source of Marley’s Ghost really isn’t important. The important thing is the message that his ghost imparts. Basically that it is never too late to unshackle yourself from the chains of your past. Marley’s ghost not only imparts caution but he brings wisdom and hope for the future.
While… there’s still time…
This is one of the final things Marley says to Scrooge. There is still time! Time to correct the wrongs. Time to unshackle yourself from the regrets of the past that should not hold you back. Time to take action on those things that need to be changed. The younger you are the easier these changes are. If you wait too long you will be forced to carry these chains forever.
Take action.
Make a stand.
Forgive yourself for past misdeeds.
Correct what misdeed’s you can.
And then go forth and sin no more!
Save… yourself.
Those were Marley’s final words. “Save… yourself.” Scrooge’s reply, “Save myself? Save myself from what?” That is a question Marley couldn’t answer and it is one I cannot answer.
So here is your homework. Make a list.
What are your regrets from the past?
What things do you need to do to have a better future.
How can you take your lessons of the past and apply them to the future.
Save… yourself. Redux.
Perhaps you have a few extra pounds you need to lose. You have tried before and failed. Let go of your past failure and try again.
Maybe you did someone a bad disservice in the past and have always regretted it. Try to contact them and apologize. If you can’t reach them, write out what you would LIKE to say to them and store it away.
Those are just two examples. Think about yours. If your own lessons can help others and you feel like sharing, please post it below.
Unshackle those links and remember, There’s still time…
Take Action. Get Results.
Mysterious poster, I like this a lot. Many of us have these chains like Marley around us but we simply do not recognize the fact!
Being aware of it first helps and then we can move on to finding a ways to be free! Greed and jealousy are one of these chains that often binds us from being the best we can.
Preeti,
I think everyone carries baggage. A goal in life should be to try to divest yourself of as much of it as possible as the old AA mantra goes (at least paraphrased) you need the:
Serenity to accept the things you cannot change
The courage to change the things you can
and the wisdom to tell the difference
Hi Steve,
Funny you mentioned AA. I was just thinking the same thing while reading the post 🙂
The AAer’s also have a step where they do amends, and another that they take an inventory.
“The Big Book” is actually a great spiritual/self help book for anyone.
I heard somewhere that Jung contacted Bill W. about the book, and I seem to remember that Bill W. spent some time at Jungs house.
Anyway, take care.