Choices

"The blessings for which we hunger are not to be found in other places or people.  These gifts can only be given to you by yourself.  They are at home in the hearth of your soul."
--John O'Donohue

"The life we want is not merely the one we have chosen and made.  It is the one we must be choosing and making."
--Wendell Berry

Choices, choices, choices...  It's the whole theme of my morning reading today...  And I've been trying to make a choice that could be a big deal to me.

Last week, I entered an essay contest to win a trip to a seminar in Portland about "Living a Better Story."  It's a seminar about deciding what you want your life story to be - and having the courage and strength to make it happen - and beginning to figure out the steps to get there.

I'm pretty sure I won't win after reading some of the other entries - it's always the sappy entries that win, right?  Mine's just a dream...

So, I'm in the process of deciding if I should just pay the full price to go.  It would be a big dent in our checking account - and a selfish dent at that.  But one that could give me the boost I need to start taking action to make my dream happen.  It could be just the motivation to get me on the right path.

I knew as soon as I read the book that this seminar is based on (A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller) - that this could be a turning point for me.  Then, I came across a website talking about the seminar and I immediately wanted to sign up!  But...  While I may talk big about doing whatever is necessary to live your authentic life and follow your dreams...  It can be pretty hard when it affects more than just you.

Now I have a friend who is "in" and wants to go with!  The hubby has given me a luke-warm "ok."  Now I have to see if my boss will support this weekend away... 

Ugh.  I wish decisions made themselves...  Life would be so much easier. 

What hard decision are you facing today - and where is your heart leading you?

Things I am thankful for today:

1.  "Omens" tugging you in a certain direction.
2.  Em and Elly visiting for a pool day.

3.  Elly squealing at the sight of my dog, Bailey!
4.  A beautiful day for the pool.
5.  Getting work done in the afternoon.
6.  All kinds of interesting reading.
7.  Punch Pizza.  Yum.

8.  A full gas tank and a clean windshield.
9.  Finishing "Pillars of the Earth."
10.  Support from friends.