A Christmas Carol’s Hidden Gem: The Spirit of Mattering | EP 552

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Passion Struck with John R. Miles"
Episode: A Christmas Carol’s Hidden Gem: The Spirit of Mattering | EP 552
Release Date: December 27, 2024

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Introduction: Embracing the True Spirit of the Holidays

In the latest episode of Passion Struck with John R. Miles, host John R. Miles delves deep into the essence of the holiday season, moving beyond the superficial trimmings of twinkling lights and gift-giving. At [01:12], Miles poses a profound question to listeners: “Do you actually matter to the people around you? And if not, what are you doing about it?” This episode uses Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol as a lens to explore the profound concept of "mattering" in our lives.

Recap of Recent Episodes

Before immersing in the main topic, Miles provides a brief overview of the week's episodes. At [02:29], he highlights insightful conversations with Dr. Abraham George on fostering resilience through social innovation and with James and Bersabe Ray on rebuilding purpose after significant challenges. These discussions set the stage for the episode’s focus on intentional living and the power of feeling valued.

The Heart of Mattering: Lessons from A Christmas Carol

Scrooge’s Journey: From Isolation to Connection

Miles draws parallels between Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation and the modern struggle for meaningful connections. At [06:20], he emphasizes that “Scrooge's journey in A Christmas Carol is more than a redemption story. It's a mirror reflecting back the ways we live our own lives.” Initially depicted as a miserly figure disconnected from others, Scrooge's encounters with the three ghosts force him to confront his emotional isolation and the superficiality of his pursuits.

The Ghost of Christmas Past: Revisiting Our Origins

The first spirit, representing the Ghost of Christmas Past ([11:33]), takes Scrooge through his earlier years, revealing moments of warmth overshadowed by neglect and ambition. Miles reflects, “Our past shapes us, but it doesn't have to define us.” This segment underscores the importance of acknowledging past experiences to reclaim one's sense of purpose and connection.

The Ghost of Christmas Present: Valuing the Here and Now

The Ghost of Christmas Present ([13:54]) showcases the Cratchit family's humble yet joyful celebrations and Scrooge's nephew Fred’s generosity. Through these scenes, Miles highlights the richness derived from prioritizing people over possessions. A notable quote at [15:34]: “Mattering isn't just about feeling seen. It's about seeing others.” This spirit teaches that genuine attention and care can transform both individual lives and communities.

The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come: Confronting Our Future

The final and most haunting spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come ([15:34]), presents Scrooge with a bleak future marked by loneliness and indifference. Miles poignantly states at [16:02]: “The ghost's silence left no room for debate or denial. It exposed the raw truth.” This encounter serves as a stark reminder that without meaningful connections, our legacy is one of isolation and regret.

Practical Lessons: Cultivating Mattering in Our Lives

Miles does not stop at analysis but offers actionable strategies for listeners to implement the lessons learned from Scrooge’s transformation.

1. Acknowledging Others

At [24:11], Miles introduces the Acknowledgement Audit, encouraging listeners to:

• List five people they interact with regularly.
• Identify and appreciate each person's contributions.
• Take action by expressing specific gratitude to at least one individual.

This exercise fosters recognition and strengthens relationships by making others feel valued.

2. Creating Meaning Through Connection

Highlighting the simplicity of connection, Miles suggests small but intentional acts:

• Invite someone for coffee
• Write a heartfelt note
• Offer support to someone in need

At [25:54], he emphasizes, “These actions don't have to be grand; they just have to be intentional.” Such gestures not only uplift others but also enrich the giver’s sense of purpose and belonging.

3. Reclaiming Your Purpose

Miles encourages listeners to reflect on their desired legacy and align daily actions with their values through the Purpose Check-In:

• Reflect on your legacy: What do you want people to remember about you?
• Identify one small step: Choose an action that aligns with your vision.
• Set a reminder: Commit to acting within the next week.

This practice ensures that one's daily life is purposeful and impactful.

Final Challenge: Choosing Connection Over Isolation

In the concluding segments, Miles presents a compelling challenge to listeners: “What choices will you make today to change the legacy you leave behind?” ([19:54]) He urges individuals to move beyond self-preservation and cynicism, opting instead for connection, compassion, and intentionality. By adopting small, consistent actions, one can transform not only their own life but also the lives of those around them.

Conclusion: The Never-Ending Journey of Mattering

Miles wraps up the episode by reiterating that mattering is a continuous, deliberate choice. At [29:14], he poses reflective questions:

• “If the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come showed up at your door tonight, what would they reveal?”
• “Would their visions inspire you to foster deeper connections and purpose in your life?”

He reinforces that it's never too late to alter one’s path, emphasizing that every small step towards connection and intentional living contributes to a meaningful legacy.

Community Engagement and Looking Ahead

As the episode concludes, Miles invites listeners to engage with the Passion Struck community:

• Subscribe and share the podcast to spread the message of intentional living.
• Participate in upcoming episodes, including an interview with Shira Gill on creating space in various aspects of life.

He leaves listeners with an inspiring note: “Mattering isn't a luxury, it's a choice. And that choice begins now.” ([30:02])

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Notable Quotes:

• John R. Miles [01:12]: “Do you actually matter to the people around you? And if not, what are you doing about it?”
• John R. Miles [06:20]: “Scrooge's journey in A Christmas Carol is more than a redemption story. It's a mirror reflecting back the ways we live our own lives.”
• John R. Miles [15:34]: “Mattering isn't just about feeling seen. It's about seeing others.”
• John R. Miles [24:11]: “Take a moment to tell someone what you appreciate about them.”
• John R. Miles [29:14]: “Mattering isn't a luxury, it's a choice. And that choice begins now.”

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Practical Exercises Mentioned:

1. Acknowledgement Audit

   • List five people you regularly interact with.
   • Identify their contributions to your life.
   • Express specific gratitude to at least one person.

2. Connection Calendar

   • Plan small acts of kindness for the upcoming week.
   • Commit to one intentional act of connection each day.
   • Reflect daily on the impact of these connections.

3. Purpose Check-In

   • Reflect on your legacy: What do you want to be remembered for?
   • Identify one small step to align actions with your vision.
   • Set a reminder to implement this step within the next week.

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Final Thoughts:

John R. Miles masterfully intertwines the timeless lessons from A Christmas Carol with modern-day practices to underscore the importance of feeling and making others feel that they matter. This episode serves as both a reflective exploration and a practical guide, empowering listeners to cultivate meaningful connections and live with intentionality.

Listeners are encouraged to take immediate action, fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and significant. As Miles aptly puts it, “Let’s make it count,” inspiring a collective commitment to a life rich in purpose, connection, and genuine mattering.

Transcript

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[John R. Miles]

Coming up next on Passion Struck, let's be honest. Christmas isn't really about the twinkling lights.

[Co-Host or Guest]

The parties, or even the gifts. That stuff's nice, but it's not the point.

[John R. Miles]

Here's the real question. Do you actually matter to the people around you? And if not, what are you doing about it?

[Co-Host or Guest]

Scrooge learned the hard way that hoarding.

[John R. Miles]

Wealth and shutting people out isn't the path to a meaningful life. But what about you? What would the Ghost of Christmas say.

[Co-Host or Guest]

About how you're living? Tune in and find out.

[John R. Miles]

Welcome to Passion Struck. Hi, I'm your host, John R. Miles, and on the show we decipher the secrets, tips and guidance of the world's most inspiring people and turn their wisdom into practical advice for you and those around you. Our mission is to help you unlock the power of intentionality so that you can become the best version of yourself. If you're new to the show, I offer advice and answer listener questions on Fridays. We have long form interviews the rest of the week with guests ranging from astronauts to authors, CEOs, creators, innovators, scientists, military leaders, visionaries and athletes. Now let's go out there and become Passion Struck.

Welcome back everyone, to another Momentum Friday in episode 552.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Whether you're a longtime listener or brand.

[John R. Miles]

New to the show, I am so excited to have you here. This is where we challenge conventional thinking.

[Co-Host or Guest]

And explore what it means to live.

[John R. Miles]

With intention, purpose and impact.

[Co-Host or Guest]

And what better time to reflect on.

[John R. Miles]

Those ideas than during the special holiday week of Christmas and Hanukkah. Before we dive into today's topic, let's take a moment to recap this week's incredible episodes, on Tuesday I had the.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Abraham.

[John R. Miles]

George, who shared remarkable insights into fostering resilience and impact through social innovation.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Then on Thursday, I spoke with James.

[John R. Miles]

And Bersabe Ray, whose transformative conversation explored how we can rebuild purpose after profound challenges. If you missed either of those episodes, I highly recommend you go back and give them a listen. They're packed with insights that perfectly complement today's discussion. For anyone new to the show, navigating over 550 episodes might feel a bit overwhelming, but I've got you covered. We've curated starter packs around themes like leadership, grit, and personal growth to make it easier to dive into the topics that resonate with you. You can find [e-mail] starterpacks or on Spotify. And if you're ready to take your growth even further, sign up for my Live intentionally [e-mail] Every week I share actionable strategies and insights to help you Thrive with purpose. Plus, check out our YouTube channel for highlights, episodes, and tools that make your growth journey even more engaging. Now let's talk about today's episode. Have you ever stopped to ask yourself, do I matter? Maybe it's not something you think about consciously, but it's a question that shapes so much of our lives. It's there in the way we crave recognition at work, seek connection in our relationships, or feel that pang of loneliness when we think no one notices what we're going through.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Now flip that question around.

[John R. Miles]

How often do you show others that they matter?

[Co-Host or Guest]

How often do you look beyond the.

[John R. Miles]

Surface of someone's life, beyond their job title, their quirks or their flaws, and let them know they're valued? Here's the thing. We all want to matter, but we rarely stop to consider what that actually means. And sometimes it takes something or someone.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Shaking us away to realize just how important mattering is.

[John R. Miles]

This brings me to A Christmas Carol. You might think of it as just another holiday tale, but I see it as one of the most profound stories about the spirit of mattering. At its heart, Scrooge's journey isn't just about redemption. It's about rediscovering the value of his life and the lives of those around him. Scrooge starts off as someone who's convinced that nothing matters except his money. He cuts himself off from people, from joy, from purpose. But as he's forced to confront his past, present, and future, he learns that mattering isn't about wealth or status. It's about connection, compassion, and the impact that we have on others. In this episode, we're going to do a deep dive into what A Christmas Carol teaches us about mattering. We'll explore why it's so easy to lose sight of our own value and the value of others, how showing someone that they matter can transform not just their life, but your own, and practical.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Ways to bring the spirit of mattering.

[John R. Miles]

Into your everyday life.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Here's a question to think about as we begin. If you were visited by the ghosts.

[John R. Miles]

Of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, what would they show you about the way you're living? Would they see someone who knows they matter, or someone who's forgotten? Let's talk about it. Thank you for choosing Passion Struck and choosing me to be your host and guide on your journey to creating an intentional life. Now let that journey begin.

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Up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service ported 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Card has no cash access and expires in six months.

[John R. Miles]

Scrooge's journey in A Christmas Carol is more than a redemption story. It's a mirror reflecting back the ways.

[Co-Host or Guest]

We live our own lives.

[John R. Miles]

Dickens didn't write Scrooge as just a.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Grumpy old miser to warm our hearts during the holidays.

[John R. Miles]

He created a character who challenges us to confront difficult questions such as where am I shutting people out?

[Co-Host or Guest]

Where have I stopped showing others, or.

[John R. Miles]

Even myself that we matter? At first glance, it's easy to see. A Christmas Carol is a charming holiday tale.

[Co-Host or Guest]

A lonely man finds the spirit of.

[John R. Miles]

Christmas and transforms his life. But beneath the cozy surface lies a much deeper message. It's a psychological exploration of what happens when we let disconnection, indifference, and isolation take over, and what it takes to find our way back to what truly matters. Before his famous redemption, Ebenezer Scrooge isn't just a miser.

[Co-Host or Guest]

He's a case study in disconnection. He was someone who had checked out emotionally.

[John R. Miles]

As Adam Grant might frame it, Scrooge wasn't just hoarding money, he was hoarding himself.

[Co-Host or Guest]

He had stopped believing that relationships, kindness.

[John R. Miles]

Or connection held any value.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Over time, he became a prisoner of his own Indifference. Mark Manson, on the other hand, would.

[John R. Miles]

Probably call him out a little more bluntly. Scrooge's motto was basically screw people. I've got my money, my solitude and zero emotional baggage.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Why complicate things?

[John R. Miles]

Here's the twist. That strategy doesn't make him happy, it makes him miserable.

[Co-Host or Guest]

And spoiler alert, it doesn't end well. Whether you look at Adam Grant's version or Mark Manson's, here's the key lesson. Scrooge didn't just reject kindness and connection.

[John R. Miles]

He rejected the idea that they had any value.

[Co-Host or Guest]

He built a life around self preservation.

[John R. Miles]

And it left him completely isolated.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Scrooge didn't wake up one day and.

[John R. Miles]

Decide to become cold and indifferent.

[Co-Host or Guest]

It happened slowly, the way it does.

[John R. Miles]

For so many of us.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Life throws curveballs.

[John R. Miles]

Loss, disappointment, stress. And we start to retreat. We stop investing in relationships. We get cynical, maybe even a little selfish. And before we know it, we're living in a self imposed bubble, convinced that we don't matter, or worse, that no one else does. The brilliance of Dickens story is that.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Scrooge isn't as far removed from us.

[John R. Miles]

As we might like to think.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Sure, most of us aren't hoarding gold.

[John R. Miles]

In a dark, lonely mansion, but what about the modern day ways we disconnect? For instance, focusing on work over people. How often do we pour all our.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Energy into career goals, thinking that success will bring us fulfillment, only to realize it's left our relationships in the dust? Or letting cynicism take over.

[John R. Miles]

Scrooge's bah humbug attitude wasn't just about Christmas, it was about people. He assumed the worst in everyone. Cynicism can be a shield, but it's also a prison. We often use it when we're too afraid to hope or care. And then we also neglect connection.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Over time, Scrooge's isolation became a self fulfilling prophecy.

[John R. Miles]

He stopped reaching out and people stopped trying to reach him. When we neglect our relationships, we cut ourselves off from the very thing that gives life meaning. Here's where Scrooge's story becomes a mirror.

[Co-Host or Guest]

When we cut ourselves off from others.

[John R. Miles]

Whether through busyness, cynicism or fear, we don't just lose out on relationships, we. We start losing sight of our own value too. If Scrooge teaches us anything, it's disconnection.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Doesn'T just make life lonely, it makes it meaningless.

[John R. Miles]

When we disconnect from others, from joy, from purpose, we start losing sight of our own value.

[Co-Host or Guest]

And when we don't see our own.

[John R. Miles]

Worth, it's almost impossible to recognize it in others. The result?

[Co-Host or Guest]

A cycle of loneliness and indifference. We convince ourselves that nothing matters and we stop trying. But deep down, that's not what we want.

[John R. Miles]

Like Scrooge, what we really crave is connection, belonging and purpose.

[Co-Host or Guest]

But here's the good.

[John R. Miles]

Scrooge's story is one of redemption.

[Co-Host or Guest]

His life is a mirror that shows.

[John R. Miles]

Us what's possible when we choose to reconnect with ourselves, with others, and with the belief that we matter.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Scrooge's wake up call comes in the form of three ghosts.

[John R. Miles]

Past, present and future. All forcing him to confront what he's lost, what he's missing, and what he.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Still stands to lose.

[John R. Miles]

But for the rest of us, the.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Wake up call might look different. Maybe a strained relationship reminds us we.

[John R. Miles]

Need to show up more.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Maybe it's a moment of loneliness that nudges us to reach out.

[John R. Miles]

Or maybe it's a story, like A Christmas Carol, that challenges us to ask.

[Co-Host or Guest]

What parts of myself am I holding back? And who might need me to show them they matter? Scrooge's story isn't just his.

[John R. Miles]

It's ours. The question is, are are we willing to confront it? Next, we'll follow the ghosts of Christmas as they guide Scrooge and us back to the Spirit of Mattering.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Because the truth is, no matter how.

[John R. Miles]

Far we've drifted, it's never too late to choose connection over isolation. In A Christmas Carol, the ghosts of Christmas past, present and yet to come aren't just spirits.

[Co-Host or Guest]

They're mirrors, each reflecting a lesson about what it means to matter.

[John R. Miles]

Through these supernatural encounters, Scrooge is forced to confront how his actions or inactions.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Have shaped his life and the lives.

[John R. Miles]

Of those around him.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Let's break them down.

[John R. Miles]

Let's first explore the Ghost of Christmas Past.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Or as I like to say, the loss of Mattering.

[John R. Miles]

The first spirit, radiant and otherworldly, brought.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Scrooge face to face with the memories of his past. In these visions, he saw the lonely.

[John R. Miles]

Child he once was left behind in a cold schoolroom while others celebrated with family and friends.

[Co-Host or Guest]

This early neglect began to explain the fortress he had built around his heart.

[John R. Miles]

A defense mechanism against the pain of feeling forgotten. But the spirit didn't stop there.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Scrooge was guided through moments of warmth and joy that had once defined his life. The tender affection of his sister Fan, the jubilant festivities hosted by his first employer, Mr. Fezziwig.

[John R. Miles]

And even the spark of love he once shared with his fiance.

[Co-Host or Guest]

These glimpses were reminders of a time.

[John R. Miles]

When Scrooge had connections, hope and purpose. Yet intertwined with these memories were the.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Choices that led to his isolation.

[John R. Miles]

Scrooge's relentless focus on wealth, a fixation.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Born of fear and ambition, had driven.

[John R. Miles]

A wedge between him and his fiance.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Ultimately causing her to walk away from their shared future. When we stop engaging with our past.

[John R. Miles]

We stop learning from it. And when we stop learning, we lose sight of how much we still matter. For Scrooge, these visits weren't just painful.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Reminders of what he had lost. They were an invitation to reflect on on how unresolved pain and regret had shaped his present. His childhood neglect made him feel insignificant.

[John R. Miles]

And instead of seeking connection, he sought control.

[Co-Host or Guest]

His ambition became his armor, but it also became his prison.

[John R. Miles]

And isn't that true for so many of us? When we're hurt or feel undervalued, it's.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Easy to build walls instead of bridges.

[John R. Miles]

But as Scrooge's journey shows, these walls don't protect us.

[Co-Host or Guest]

They isolate us.

[John R. Miles]

The Ghost of Christmas Past teaches us a profound lesson.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Our past shapes us, but it doesn't have to define us.

[John R. Miles]

By revisiting the moments that made us feel unseen or the choices we regret, we have the chance to reclaim our purpose and reconnect with what truly matters.

[Co-Host or Guest]

As Scrooge begins to confront his own.

[John R. Miles]

Story, he starts to see a way forward. But the real challenge lies in the present, where the choices to see and.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Be seen still awake.

[John R. Miles]

Let's turn to the Ghost of Christmas Present to explore how Scrooge begins to understand the power of truly seeing others. The second spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Present, was a vibrant and towering figure.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Embodying the generosity, joy and warmth of the holiday season. With a commanding yet compassionate presence.

[John R. Miles]

It transported Scrooge to scenes that revealed.

[Co-Host or Guest]

The richness of connection and the quiet heroism of resilience.

[John R. Miles]

First, Scrooge found himself in the humble home of the Cratchit family. Despite their modest Christmas meal and Tiny.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Tim's frail condition, the room was filled with love and gratitude.

[John R. Miles]

Tiny Tim, though physically weak, radiated hope and optimism. His courage and unwavering gratitude left an indelible mark on Scrooge, challenging his belief that wealth was the only measure of.

[Co-Host or Guest]

A life well lived.

[John R. Miles]

The spirit then whisked Scrooge to his nephew Fred's home, where laughter and warmth flowed freely.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Fred's joy and generosity stood in stark.

[John R. Miles]

Contrast to Scrooge's own cold and empty existence.

[Co-Host or Guest]

The scenes of celebration and connection revealed the richness that comes from prioritizing people over possessions.

[John R. Miles]

Think of it this the Cratchits don't.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Need much to feel like they matter.

[John R. Miles]

They've got each other.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Meanwhile, Scrooge is sitting on a mountain.

[John R. Miles]

Of gold like a dragon, and he's still miserable.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Connection trumps comfort every time. Now let's go back to the Ghost of Christmas Present. Scrooge's journey with the ghost wasn't all light and cheer.

[John R. Miles]

Emerging from beneath the spirit's robes were two spectral children, ignorance and want. Their haunting presence embodied the consequences of societal neglect and indifference, serving as a stark warning to Scrooge. These figures weren't just symbols of a failing society.

[Co-Host or Guest]

They were reflections of the human cost of apathy.

[John R. Miles]

A cost Scrooge had contributed to through.

[Co-Host or Guest]

His own self centeredness.

[John R. Miles]

The spirit's visit forced Scrooge to confront a critical truth.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Mattering isn't just about feeling seen. It's about seeing others.

[John R. Miles]

The Cratchit's resilience and Fred's generosity showed Scrooge the profound power of connection and gratitude. The spectral children, ignorance and want revealed.

[Co-Host or Guest]

The danger of turning a blind eye to the struggles of others. In our own lives, how often do.

[John R. Miles]

We stop to truly see the people around us? How often do we notice their joys, struggles and humanity? The Ghost of Christmas Present reminds us.

[Co-Host or Guest]

That paying attention is an act of care. When we take the time to see.

[John R. Miles]

Others, we not only validate their worth, but also reconnect with our own. For Scrooge, this lesson was a turning point. But the final ghost, the Ghost of Christmas yet to Come, would deliver the most profound and unsettling challenge yet to face. The ultimate consequences of a life lived without connection, compassion or purpose. Let's explore what this final encounter reveals. The final spirit, cloaked in shadows and silence, was a stark departure from the vibrant presence of the Ghost of Christmas Present. Its haunting stillness carried a gravity that.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Words could not match.

[John R. Miles]

With an outstretched hand, the ghost revealed the grim future awaiting Scrooge if he failed to change.

[Co-Host or Guest]

In these chilling visions, Scrooge was confronted.

[John R. Miles]

With the aftermath of his death. There was no mourning, no sorrow, only relief and indifference.

[Co-Host or Guest]

He saw his name on a cold.

[John R. Miles]

Unmarked grave, the ultimate symbol of a.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Life lived without connection or legacy.

[John R. Miles]

The people who once knew him regarded his passing with apathy, some even with.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Satisfaction, as though his absence was a blessing rather than a loss. But the most harrowing vision came when the spirit returned him to the Cratchit household.

[John R. Miles]

This time, there was no laughter or hope. The family was shrouded in grief, mourning the death of Tiny Tim, a loss.

[Co-Host or Guest]

That could have been prevented.

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[John R. Miles]

Scrooge was forced to confront the weight of his indifference, realizing that his refusal to care.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Had consequences far beyond his own isolation.

[John R. Miles]

The story teaches us a profound lesson.

[Co-Host or Guest]

The future reminds us that our impact is defined not by what we have.

[John R. Miles]

But but by how we make others feel.

[Co-Host or Guest]

The ghost's silence left no room for debate or denial.

[John R. Miles]

It exposed the raw truth. Scrooge's choices had not only robbed him.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Of joy and connection, but had caused harm to those who depended on his humanity.

[John R. Miles]

The Ghost of Christmas yet to Come taps into a fear that is deeply universal, the fear of leaving no legacy.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Or dying without having made a difference.

[John R. Miles]

For Scrooge, the unmarked grave and Tiny Tim's preventable death were devastating revelations, forcing.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Him to see how his life, or.

[John R. Miles]

Lack of engagement in it, had shaped.

[Co-Host or Guest]

The lives of others. How many of us share that same anxiety? The longing to matter, to leave behind something meaningful, isn't just a holiday sentiment.

[John R. Miles]

It's a driving force of human existence. Yet, like Scrooge, we can become so.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Consumed by by self preservation, cynicism or.

[John R. Miles]

Fear that we neglect to create the.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Connections and acts of kindness that truly define our legacy.

[John R. Miles]

Scrooge's encounter with the Ghost of Christmas.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Yet to Come was his breaking point.

[John R. Miles]

The unbearable weight of these visions shattered.

[Co-Host or Guest]

The walls he built around himself.

[John R. Miles]

He finally understood that his indifference to others didn't protect him.

[Co-Host or Guest]

It isolated him.

[John R. Miles]

And worse yet, it left behind a legacy of harmony, not healing.

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But here's the powerful takeaway.

[John R. Miles]

The ghost didn't show Scrooge an inevitable future.

[Co-Host or Guest]

It showed him a potential one. The silence of the spirit wasn't finality, it was a challenge. The future wasn't set in stone, but it demanded action.

[John R. Miles]

For Scrooge, and for us, the question is clear. What choices will you make today to change the legacy you leave behind?

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Will you continue down a path of indifference?

[John R. Miles]

Or will you choose connection, compassion and purpose? The lesson of the Ghost of Christmas.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Yet to Come is that it's never.

[John R. Miles]

Too late to change the narrative. Scrooge sees the chance transforming his life.

[Co-Host or Guest]

And the lives of those around him.

[John R. Miles]

The same opportunity is available to all of us if we're brave enough to take it.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Let's dive into how Scrooge's transformation reminds us that mattering isn't just about reflection.

[John R. Miles]

It's about the power of our choices. Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation wasn't about finding a.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Quick fix or having a magical epiphany.

[John R. Miles]

That erased years of bitterness. It was about making a choice. A deliberate, sometimes uncomfortable choice to believe that he mattered, that others mattered, and.

[Co-Host or Guest]

That how he showed up in the.

[John R. Miles]

World could make a difference.

[Co-Host or Guest]

By the time the Ghost of Christmas yet to Come left him, Scrooge was.

[John R. Miles]

Faced with a stark reality. His future was bleak, but it wasn't.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Set in stone the life he had.

[John R. Miles]

Been living, a life of isolation, greed.

[Co-Host or Guest]

And indifference, had been his choice all along.

[John R. Miles]

And now, for the first time, he saw an alternative.

[Co-Host or Guest]

What makes Scrooge's transformation so powerful isn't.

[John R. Miles]

That it wasn't grand or theatrical.

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It was rooted in small human moments.

[John R. Miles]

He didn't wake up on Christmas morning.

[Co-Host or Guest]

And suddenly become a saint.

[John R. Miles]

He woke up and made one decision, then another, and then another.

[Co-Host or Guest]

He chose to act differently.

[John R. Miles]

He started by reconnecting with the people he had pushed away.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Scrooge didn't try to erase the past. He couldn't.

[John R. Miles]

But he chose to engage with the present.

[Co-Host or Guest]

He reached out to his nephew Fred. Acknowledging the warmth and generosity he had dismissed for so long, he went to.

[John R. Miles]

The Cratchit family, offering support not out of pity, but out of genuine desire to make their lives better. These weren't just acts of generosity.

[Co-Host or Guest]

They were acts of humility.

[John R. Miles]

They required Scrooge to let go of his ego, his cynicism and his fear of rejection. As Scrooge began to show others that.

[Co-Host or Guest]

They mattered, something unexpected happened. He rediscovered his own sense of worth by giving Tiny Tim a chance to thrive.

[John R. Miles]

By sharing in Fred's joy, by stepping out of his isolated comfort zone, Scrooge found purpose.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Mattering isn't a one way street. When we remind others of their value, we inevitably remind ourselves of our own. Scrooge learned this firsthand. The more he invested in the lives of others, the richer his own life became.

[John R. Miles]

Not financially, but emotionally, spiritually and relationally. Scrooge's transformation also highlights something that's easy to overlook.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Mattering takes courage.

[John R. Miles]

It's not just about showing up for others.

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It's about allowing yourself to be seen.

[John R. Miles]

To be vulnerable and to care in a way that feels risky. For years, Scrooge avoided this risk by.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Retreating into his wealth and solitude. But in the end, that strategy didn't protect him. It imprisoned him.

[John R. Miles]

His decision to embrace connection wasn't just.

[Co-Host or Guest]

An act of redemption.

[John R. Miles]

It was an act of liberation.

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Scrooge's story is a reminder that mattering isn't something that happens to us.

[John R. Miles]

It's something we create. It's a choice we make every single day in the way we treat others, in the way we show up, and.

[Co-Host or Guest]

In the way we allow ourselves to connect.

[John R. Miles]

And the most profound part, it's never too late to choose differently.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Scrooge spent most of his life convinced that he didn't matter, that others didn't matter, and that life was better lived behind walls.

[John R. Miles]

But in one extraordinary night, he saw the truth. Mattering is a choice, and choosing it transforms everything. As we reflect on Scrooge's journey, the.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Question becomes, how will you choose to matter today?

[John R. Miles]

Will you step out of your comfort zone, connect with others, and embrace the.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Courage that it takes to make an impact? Let's move forward and explore how we can bring these lessons into our own lives. Scrooge's transformation wasn't just a feel good holiday tale.

[John R. Miles]

It was a roadmap for how we.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Can reclaim mattering in our own lives. His journey teaches us that mattering isn't built on grand gestures or monumental achievements.

[John R. Miles]

It's created through simple, intentional actions that.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Prioritize connection and purpose.

[John R. Miles]

Here's how you can start.

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The first step in nurturing mattering is.

[John R. Miles]

Acknowledging the people around you.

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Too often, we go through life without truly seeing others.

[John R. Miles]

Their struggles, their joys, or their contributions.

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So here's what you can do. Take a moment to tell someone what.

[John R. Miles]

You appreciate about them.

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Be specific. Instead of a generic thanks, say I really admire how patient you were in that meeting. Or your advice last week made a.

[John R. Miles]

Huge difference for me.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Then ask yourself, who in your world might need to feel seen today? Is it a coworker who's been working quietly behind the scenes? A friend who's been distant? A family member you've taken for granted?

[John R. Miles]

When you take the time to see others, you remind them and yourself that they matter. So let me give you an exercise that you can perform called the acknowledgement audit.

[Co-Host or Guest]

First, make a list. Write down five people in your life.

[John R. Miles]

Who you interact with regularly.

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This could include family, friends, co workers, or even someone you see daily but rarely acknowledge.

[John R. Miles]

For instance, a barista or a neighborhood. Second, identify their contributions for each person.

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Think about what they bring to your life or environment.

[John R. Miles]

What do you appreciate about them?

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How do they make a difference, big or small? Third, take action. Choose at least one person and tell.

[John R. Miles]

Them what you've written.

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Be specific.

[John R. Miles]

For example, I really admire how calm and thoughtful you are under pressure. It inspires me. Or I appreciate the way you always.

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Ask how I'm doing.

[John R. Miles]

It shows you genuinely care why it matters. This practice reminds people they're valued and fosters deeper relationships.

[Co-Host or Guest]

At the same time, it strengthens your.

[John R. Miles]

Own ability to recognize and articulate gratitude, a cornerstone of connection the second thing Scrooge's story teaches us is how to create meaning through connection.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Scrooge learned that the simplest acts of.

[John R. Miles]

Connection are often the most transformative. Sharing a meal, offering kindness, or lending a helping hand doesn't just improve someone else's life.

[Co-Host or Guest]

It reminds you of the joy that.

[John R. Miles]

Comes from being part of something bigger. So here's what you can do.

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Look for small, meaningful ways to connect.

[John R. Miles]

Invite someone for coffee, write a heartfelt note, or offer support to someone who's struggling. These actions don't have to be grand they just have to be intentional. Remember, it's not about fixing someone else's problems. It's about showing up and being present. The Cratchits didn't need a feast to feel joy. They needed each other. Every act of kindness you give is also an investment in your own sense of purpose and belonging. So here's an exercise you can do to create meaning through connection. It's called the Connection Calendar. First, plan small acts of kindness for the next week.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Commit to doing one intentional act of connection each day. These can be small but meaningful gestures.

[John R. Miles]

Monday Call a friend you haven't spoken to in a while.

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Leave a handwritten note for a colleague.

[John R. Miles]

Or a family member. Wednesday Pay for someone's coffee or meal. Compliment a stranger or co worker on something specific. Friday Offer help to someone who might be struggling, even if it's just lending an ear. Second, reflect on the impact at the.

[Co-Host or Guest]

End of each day. Jot down how the active connection made you feel.

[John R. Miles]

Did it bring joy? Gratitude? A sense of purpose?

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Why it matters Meaningful connection isn't about.

[John R. Miles]

Grand gestures it's about consistency.

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This exercise helps you cultivate the habit.

[John R. Miles]

Of noticing and responding to opportunities to.

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Connect, turning small moments into powerful acts of mattering.

[John R. Miles]

And the third thing that we can learn from A Christmas Carol is how.

[Co-Host or Guest]

To reclaim your purpose. Mattering isn't just about others. It's also about recognizing your own value.

[John R. Miles]

And the impact you want to leave behind.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Scrooge found this when he chose to help Tiny Tim. It wasn't just a gift to the Cratchits. It was a way for Scrooge to.

[John R. Miles]

Reconnect with his purpose. So when what's a way you can reclaim your purpose?

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Take a moment to reflect on the.

[John R. Miles]

Legacy you want to create.

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Ask yourself what do I want people to remember about me? What small steps can I take today to align my actions with that vision? Start Small Purpose doesn't have to mean changing the world overnight. It can be as simple as mentoring.

[John R. Miles]

Someone, volunteering in your community, or even just showing up for the people in your life with intention. Reclaiming purpose is about aligning your daily choices with what truly matters to you and the impact that you want to leave behind. So here's an exercise that you can do called the purpose check in. First, reflect on your legacy.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Set aside 10 minutes to journal about the following questions. What do I want people to remember about me? What do I want to contribute to the world?

[John R. Miles]

How do I want to make people feel?

[Co-Host or Guest]

Then next, identify one small step. Choose a single action that aligns with your vision.

[John R. Miles]

It could be volunteering, mentoring, or even.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Starting a meaningful conversation with someone in your life. Lastly, set a reminder. Write this step down and set a.

[John R. Miles]

Date to act on it within the next week. For example, call my old mentor and ask how I can help with their community project. Or research local volunteer opportunities and sign up.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Why It Matters Purpose isn't found in.

[John R. Miles]

A single grand moment. It's built through small, intentional choices. This exercise helps you connect with what matters to you and take actionable steps.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Towards living it out. And a final thought. Mattering isn't something that just happens.

[John R. Miles]

It's something we cultivate.

[Co-Host or Guest]

By intentionally seeing others, creating meaningful connections and aligning with purpose, we not only transform our relationships, but also enrich our own lives.

[John R. Miles]

So here's your final challenge.

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Who will you see today? How will you connect? And what small step can you take.

[John R. Miles]

Toward reclaiming your purpose?

[Co-Host or Guest]

Start with one action and watch how.

[John R. Miles]

It changes not just someone else's life, but but your own. So as we wrap up, I want to leave you with this question. If the Ghost of Christmas Past, present and yet to Come showed up at your door tonight, what would they reveal? Would the Ghost of Christmas Past show.

[Co-Host or Guest]

You moments where you turned away from.

[John R. Miles]

Connection, buried your purpose, or let fear guide your decisions? Would the Ghost of Christmas Present highlight opportunities you've missed to see others to express gratitude or to connect meaningfully? And and what about the ghost of Christmas yet to Come? Would its vision be one of fulfillment.

[Co-Host or Guest]

And impact, or of regret and loneliness? Here's the good news.

[John R. Miles]

Scrooge's story reminds us that the future.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Isn'T set in stone.

[John R. Miles]

It's never too late to change the narrative. The choices we make, starting right now, can transform not only how we live today, but the legacy we leave behind. Your challenge is simple but profound. Take one action today to rewrite your story.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Reach out to someone you've been distant from. Offer a moment of kindness to someone who might need it. Reflect on what truly matters to you.

[John R. Miles]

And take one small step to align your life with that purpose. The ghost won't be visiting you tonight.

[Co-Host or Guest]

But you can act as your own guide. Look at your past, engage with your present, and envision the future you want to create.

[John R. Miles]

Mattering isn't a luxury, it's a choice.

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And that choice begins now.

[John R. Miles]

Let's make it count. And that's a wrap on today's episode and on my final solo episode of 2024. I hope this exploration of A Christmas.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Carol and the spirit of mattering resonated with you. If it did, I'd deeply appreciate it.

[John R. Miles]

If you could take a moment to.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Leave a five star rating and review.

[John R. Miles]

It's one of the simplest and most.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Impactful ways to help others discover the.

[John R. Miles]

Show and join us in this mission to live with intention, joy and purpose. If you know someone who could benefit.

[Co-Host or Guest]

From today's message, maybe someone looking to.

[John R. Miles]

Reconnect with that sense of purpose or strengthen their relationships, please share this episode with them.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Together we can spread the transformative power of mattering.

[John R. Miles]

As we close out the year, I'm reminded that the lessons we've explored on.

[Co-Host or Guest]

This podcast don't end here. I'm passionate about bringing these ideas into.

[John R. Miles]

The world beyond the show. If you're looking to inspire your team, organization or community through keynote speeches, workshops or events, I'd love to partner with you.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Visit johnrmiles.com speaking to learn more about.

[John R. Miles]

How we can work together to ignite growth and purpose in 2025. For everything we've discussed today, including links, resources and exercises to help you nurture.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Mattering in your own life.

[John R. Miles]

Head to the show [e-mail] don't forget.

[Co-Host or Guest]

To watch the video version of this.

[John R. Miles]

Episode on our YouTube channel.

[Co-Host or Guest]

While you're there, hit subscribe so you never miss an episode or highlight.

[John R. Miles]

And if you want to support the show, check out our sponsors and exclusive [e-mail] deals supporting those who supports us helps keep this content coming to you every single week.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Before we go, here's a preview of next week's episode.

[John R. Miles]

To kick off 2025, I'll be joined by Shira Gill, who will share her insights on creating space not just in your home, but in your mind and your life. You won't want to miss it.

[Shira Gill]

Every year on New Year's Eve, I sit down and I just take a few minutes to rank each area of my life on a scale of 1 to 5 based on level of fulfillment and overall satisfaction. And so that's part one of the exercise. It only takes about five minutes. And the goal, of course, is not to get a perfect five in every area, but just to kind of take a temperature check of how am I doing? How am I feeling in all of these different areas? Then once you've ranked each area, you can jot down some quick reflections and note a thing or two you can do to improve each area for the following year.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Thank you for choosing to spend your.

[John R. Miles]

Time with me today and throughout the year.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Your commitment to learning, growing and living a life of meaning inspires me every single day. I hope this episode has added value to your journey and reminded you that.

[John R. Miles]

Mattering isn't something you wait for, it's.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Something you create and remember.

[John R. Miles]

The fee for this show is simple. If you found value here, share it with someone else who might benefit.

[Co-Host or Guest]

Until next time, keep leaning into joy, curiosity and purpose.

[John R. Miles]

And as always, live life. Passion struck.

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