I was recently told that I don't seem like the girly-type. That made me think. I started to weigh out the girly vs non-girly items in my personality. Hate to get dirty vs Like to mow the lawn; Hate auto maintenance vs Like to be treated like a princess. In my head I visualized a piece of paper with a line down the middle: pros vs cons. I had to laugh at myself. I thought about the 1st time that I actually did that.
I was 12 years old. I was in school and should have probably been doing some homework. I was trying to decide if I wanted to ask to go to Michigan Lutheran Seminary (a Lutheran boarding school) or the local public highschool. I was really confused. I didn't want to bring up to my parents that I might want to move out for the majority of the year unless I was sure. I didn't know how I would figure it out. I was weighing out the pros and the cons of going to MLS. I took out a piece of paper and drew a line down the middle. I began to list the pros and cons of not going to public school. I worked on it for a while.
When I tallied the results, the cons of going out-numbered the pros. I then began to assign items of importance to each listing. I tallied those, creating a weighted average. It was a tie. I was even more confused. I just wanted something to tell me what I should do. I put the piece of paper aside. Then it came to me...
I wasn't looking for an answer, I was looking for an indicator that would tell me that MLS was the way to go. I had my answer! That is what I wanted to do. Besides, if I wanted to come home, I am sure that I could do that too. That evening I broke the news to my parents. They took the request with an immense amount of grace and open-mindedness. They made it happen. I didn't understand the burden that I had just placed on their shoulders, but they handled it flawlessly.
Fast forward 18 years later... The process of decision-making is the same, only a lot less formal. So, do I want to be girly... I guess it depends on the moment. That is what I want the answer to be. And so it is.
Warm Thoughts Of Hawaii
My Husband and I
6 comments:
You were never one to do the girly things, dress in pastels or play with dolls. But now you take care of what ever business needs to get done with grace and fairness.
Thanks. I learned from the best!
I did a similar pro/con thing when I was trying to decide between MLS and Lakers. I really couldn't come up with much for Lakers, but I kept thinking about it. That was how I made my decision...if I really wanted to go to MLS there won't have been a question because the pros were all on that side.
You have always been a good decision maker. It has been a joy and pleasure to help in you education.
Okay so I make numerous spelling mistakes, but I have to point out irony....anonymous (perhaps dad) in sharing his joy in helping you with your education put "you education" instead of your education...fine I make way worse mistakes but appreciate the irony.
Elbow... Interesting decision making process. Now I wonder where that came from.
Anonymous... there is a little bit of humor in Elbow's observation!
Post a Comment