Tag Archives: choices

Winsome Women Wednesday: 13 Going on 30

24 Wednesday Oct 2018

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The girls in Mean Girls wear pink on Wednesdays. Though we think we leave drama and teenage angst behind when we graduate high school, the world continues to hand us lemons. We still struggle with maintaining a firm foundation of our values, discovering our identity, pursuing our purpose, developing relationships and more. The teenage angst lives on; therefore, we can still learn from young adults as they come of age. Let’s take a look at some ladies as they’ve forged their way into adulthood.

 

Thirteen-year-old Jenna Rink seeks acceptance into the popular clique The Six Chicks in the Jennifer Garner starring movie 13 Going on 30. When she wakes up in her 30-year-old body after making a wish to be “thirty, flirty and thriving,” she sets off on a journey to learn what really matters in friendships, career and life. She lives in her fantasy where she became the leader of The Six Chicks, a leader at her favorite fashion magazine and the girlfriend of a popular hockey stud. Yet as she ventures deeper into her superficially successful life, she learns she got there by abandoning what truly mattered to her. She learns some of the acceptance she received didn’t bring her the satisfaction she sought.

Rather than accept superficial approval as young Jenna Rink does, we too can stay close to our values. Jenna ultimately decides to make the right decision regarding her friends and career and starts to build a better foundation. She even reconnects with her family and decides to visit more often again. Fortunately, a movie allows a chance for a happy ending. Jenna eventually goes back to her 13-year-old self and chooses her best friend and future husband over The Six Chicks, and the movie hints at a happily ever after.

Jenna got to where she was at 30 due to a series of decisions. Clearly, she didn’t start there as we see her in a different scenario as a teen. We too don’t get into our messes by single choices. Most the time we get there unintentionally. For example, no one who struggles with a drug addiction says, “I’d like to be addicted to drugs and see what kind of ruination it can bring. I think I’ll try meth today.” In turn, it takes a lot of small decisions and adjustments to get back on track. We can choose what we value and base our goals and everyday decisions on that foundation. This keeps us on track for a more fulfilling life.

 

What choice can you make today that will help you stay on track?

 

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Monday Motivation: Active Participation

08 Monday Oct 2018

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As I contemplate the knowledge Dr. Richard Furman shares in Defeating Dementia (review here), I remember how we can improve our health a lot more than we tend to believe. Easily, we find ourselves falling into the myth that our genetics determine our health fate and that we cannot do much to improve it. While genetics can give us a disadvantage in numerous issues, the fact remains that our choices regarding our diet and exercise habits can significantly decrease the effects of many health issues.

Defeating Dementia outlines several facets of our health that we can improve by our own choices, such as blood pressure. This book as well as numerous articles I’ve read from Mayo Clinic and other sources remind us that a lot of deaths come from preventable heart disease and similar issues. So rather than accept a fate based on myth, let’s consider what we can do to improve our quality of health. This keeps us living more independently and happily and saves us from spending our extra money on avoidable health expenses. It also prevents us creating a strain on our family members or other caregivers who would have to give their time and money to us because we didn’t take care of ourselves as well as we should have when we had the knowledge and ability to do so.

We have a lot more power than we like to believe. We hold the responsibility of managing and caring for our health. Take some time to research how you can improve your diet and exercise routine to improve your overall health. This keeps you able to fulfill your purpose longer.

Monday Motivation: Little Choices

17 Monday Sep 2018

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In Exodus 16, we find the Moses leading the Israelites to the Promised Land. They have escaped slavery in Egypt and have spent many days and nights moving toward this new place. As they start to tire, they wonder if the trek is worth the cost; they feel uncertain about the unknown future and place ahead. They start to complain that they had it better in their previous situation. Essentially, they find it hard to let go of their bondage.

Part of their difficulty stems from a fear of the unknown. Though they despise their slavery situation, they know what to expect. This journey has brought them through numerous new difficulties, and overcoming those obstacles requires a lot of trust in Moses’ leadership and in God as He guides them. As a lot of us do even today, they have trouble believing God’s promises and that He will fulfill them.

We may not face a physical desert journey as part of God’s plan for us. Yet following God’s will does require trust and difficult steps. Each choice we make can move us forward, no matter how seemingly small. The Israelites have to make a choice daily to continue in the direction of the promised land. As they go, they must trust that God will provide for their basic needs. Sometimes it feels easier to go back to the familiar pain; sometimes we do take a step back after taking one forward. Let’s not let that deter us. After a step back or a mistake, we can still choose to take the next step toward our goal. We can release any bondage we may have from guilt, shame, sin. God continually washes us clean as we seek His grace and follow His path. We can accept freedom and live in His fulfilled promises.

 

If you tell me I have to go on a quest through a vast desert land to get to my better situation, I would definitely have a hard time believing you. I certainly would not follow you out the door in simple trust.

Flashback Friday: Taylor Swift’s “Teardrops On My Guitar”

13 Friday Dec 2013

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While we’re exploring new regular topic ideas, let’s start a Flashback Friday series reminiscing on “old” songs and movies to celebrate their entertainment and appreciate their value in thought or message.

We can begin with a peek at Taylor Swift’s song “Teardrops On My Guitar” in honor of Taylor’s 24th birthday today. This tune launched Taylor’s career, building her platform for a nonstop series of hits that preliminary capture the ups and downs of young love.

“Teardrops” shares the pain of unknown, unrequited love. Yet she holds onto the idea of a shared love as it’s “the only thing that keeps me wishing on a star.” Sometimes we have those crushes just to keep up hope for true love. The ultimate goal for the soul mate takes us on an unknown journey. Knowing the standards for what we want helps us seize the most potential options and directions.

Taylor has maintained this in her musical direction as well as her romantic life. She quickly found her niche that continues to make her records bestselling. Her chart toppers range from the highs of love in “Today Was A Fairytale” where she spends a day with her prince to “I Knew You Were Trouble” where she finds herself reflecting on a flame that didn’t suit her. Fully ranging the spectrum, she shows us the journey involves mistakes. Yet maintaining the standard helped her eventually recognize the subpar potential.

We too will make mistakes as we venture into the uncertain paths to our goals, whether career or romantic aspirations. Currently, I face a fork in my personal life with my location and career. Determining the “right” choice seems impossible, especially considering my weakness for making decisions. I can only focus on the goal and hold my standards against my options. “Trouble” moments have an inevitability, but hopefully I’ll ultimately get my “Fairytale.” Either story makes a moment worth sharing. Just listen to Taylor’s albums to remember we’re not alone in the struggle.

Happy birthday Taylor!

I’m aching to live in a city again, and I’m holding the hope of reunification as the teardrops fall on my guitar. I’m exploring the options to get me there.

What’s the reason for the teardrops on your guitar right now?