Life lessons from Ebenezer Scrooge 

Truth be told there's a little bit of Scrooge in all of us.

Charles Dickens story A Christmas Carol, although written in 1943 remains one of the most loved, classic Christmas tales ever told. It goes beyond the miserable life of a grumpy, stingy old man. Sharing a message of forgiveness, hope, humility, joy and renewal. 

The story of Ebenezer Scrooge is about a magnificent transformation from a hard, miserable, self-focused, grumpy, stingy, business man into a wonderful, grateful, joyful, giving, kind, human being. The story takes place on Christmas Eve where he is visited by four ghosts. 
First; his old business partner Jacob Marley, who shares a message of the horrible fate that awaits him if he does not change his ways. 
Second; by the ghost of Christmas past who shows him the value of what really matters. 
Third; is the ghost of Christmas present, showing him his reality and illuminating the current reality and experiences of the lives he has touched.
And lastly the ghost of Christmas yet to come, giving him a glimpse of where his choices, decisions and actions may lead. 

As you are taken on his amazing, life changing journey and transformation, lessons of awareness, consequences, the human spirit (just to name a few) emerge.

Here are 5 lessons we can learn from Charles Dickens wonderful character.

1. Without awareness we cannot change. When we're in denial we cannot change. We must be willing to look at our own lives and the affect it has on others. We must be real and honest with ourselves. We must be willing to move forward, full of inspiration, possibility and the excitement of what is and what can be, free from the heavy chains of guilt.

2. We can learn so much from others.
It's not always learning about what 'to do' by those we admire and look up to, we can learn many a lesson from others of what 'not to do' so that we do not experience the same. The victory here is often breaking an unhappy cycle for ourselves, our children and generations to come. It's beautiful how everything and everyone can teach us something.

3. Bitterness will poison you. Just like a grievance or lack of forgiveness. The only person that suffers is you. We can miss so much joy, connection, love and possibility when we get stuck holding on and refuse to let go. People have spent their whole lives in pain holding onto a comment, a moment long ago.

4. Being fully present. A beautiful lesson emerges as Scrooge wakes up Christmas morning with the realisation of a second chance at life. He opens the curtains to let in the light, taking note of everything he sees, feels and smells. He runs out into the street to greet people, connect and make amends. Now is all there is, it's where change takes place and miracles occur. How wonderful that we can experience this every morning we wake up.

5. It's never too late.
Our character Scrooge in most circles gets a bad rap. His common phrase "Bah Humbug" has found its way into the dictionary and has been tied to his name forever. You can find it on merchandise all over the world. We remember his mean spirit, his bitterness, lack of caring and kindness. We have given the title/name to certain people 'Scrooge'. We forget his miraculous transformation and renewal, the ending of the story and beginning of his wonderful new life. His deep, humble desire to make amends and start the rest of his life anew. With reference to point number 4 as well; this is a beautiful reminder of the joy that comes when we truly come to life. Beautiful changes take place and we see the world in a magnificent new light.

Besides the wonderful tale that is 'A Christmas Carol' the lessons are to be aware, conscious and to truly live as many moments as you can full of love, joy and meaning.

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