George Bailey, I presume?

Every year I savour the build-up to Christmas, which culminates in CBC's playing of "It's a Wonderful Life" on Christmas Eve. With mass consumption and the feeling of everybody thriving, the story of an idealist, who sacrifices his own personal happiness for the sake of the contentment of others, rouses a feeling that gives hope to humanity. Year after year, with all the family festivities going round, I sit across from the television and watch George Bailey's life unfold. Would such a man exist today?

In the world of capitalism, where success becomes determined by an ability to preserve self-interest, such a scenario could easily be thought of as increasingly unlikely. In fact, I have been told as much. This past year at Onus Consulting Group has me believing that such a man as George Bailey, not only does exist, but his compassion exists to an extent in everyone. As Canadians, we come from different backgrounds and roots...different environments...different stories that have molded us into who we are today. I genuinely believe that all of us acknowledge and pay homage to the trials and tribulations that our forefathers from whatever generation have experienced in getting us to this point. Our support for issues like global warming or peace in the Middle East exemplifies our desire to keep future generations equally as grateful.

In the end of It's A Wonderful Life, it was Bailey's sentiment that he couldn't give his family the best that lead to his contemplation of suicide. That innate desire to give our children, our parents, our loved ones the best exist in all of us. For the more guarded that may be where that compassion ends, but it may be for a lack of opportunity in this 'dog-eat-dog' world than anything else.

With the year ending, I'd like to thank everybody who has helped shape the Onus Consulting Group. Your insight and unwavering support has been a source of great inspiration. It will always be remembered. You know who you are. To help, if you're wondering as you read this, "Could he be talking about me?"...indeed, I am. Your faces flash across my mind, as I bid you, as well as every other Canadian a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

'Z'