I am currently in the midst of making a decision (which I hope to be able to share with you early next week) and I am really struggling with it. This has been going on for weeks now and while I am the first to admit that I am terribly indecisive in general, this particular situation is bad – even for me.
I have made a pro/con list, talked with Brandon, my mom and a close friend and spent a lot of time really thinking about what I want and what’s best for my long-term goals. My heart is telling me to go for it but my realistic side is telling me that now is not the time.
How do I decide? Do I throw caution to the wind and go for it? Or listen to the voice of reality in my head? This is driving me crazy. I feel so torn. (P.S. Did you read Nicole’s post yesterday? She’s going through the same thing, although I can assure you that my decision is not in regards to running.)
I commented on Nicole’s post that I was also trying to make a decision but hadn’t discussed it on my blog. Sometimes I feel guilty for writing about serious/un-fun topics on the blog but the truth is that we all go through this stuff and sometimes decisions are tough.
How do you make decisions – especially those involving how to commit your time, energy and resources?
I don’t have much to share today. I hoped to get an ashtanga practice in before work today but unfortunately, the roads were a bit icy when I woke up at 5 and I decided that I should not risk it (reminder: I live in the South – we don’t do icy!).
We had our department lunch at Vivace today and I did not take pictures of my meal. I had a salad with beets, gorganzola, grapes, radishes, mixed greens and grilled salmon with a lemon vinaigrette.
I taught BodyPump after work and then came home and made dinner.
Roasted cauliflower with parmesan, Spiced Chicken and roasted potatoes.
I’m only working a half day tomorrow! Hoping to finally get started on my Christmas shopping (um, yes…we are VERY behind!).
Happy Friday!
Prayer 🙂 Praying for you and your struggle!
I can tell this decision is causing you a lot of distress, but I’m glad you support from family and friends. If your readers are anything like mine, I’m sure you will get nothing but positive support, not matter what you are going through. If your decision is something that you are going to share publicly, I think it will take a leap of faith–to know that everyone out here is on your side. It sounds like your decision is a lot more significant than mine, so know that I’m thinking about you and definitely in your court.
I appreciate your honest blog! I am dealing with some big decisions as well so it is very relatable! thoughts are with ya.
I have been a reader for a few months now, but this is my first comment! 🙂 sorry!
I also have a hard time with decisions – I could make pros and cons lists forever. But the way that I deal with it is knowing that it will work out in the end, no matter which decision I go with. I will be happy either path I choose – and if down the road, the decision turned out not to be the best, I know I would make it work for me. Or just make another change! Somehow life works itself out. Hope that helps!
My answers to big decisions are made clear to me in the early morning hours, just when I wake up. When I’m tired and sleepy, and my mind seems to be gravitating towards a certain option, I know that *that option* is the one my heart desires. Good Luck.
Making a tough choice is never easy, and I am not good at it. But what I told Nicole too is only you know what is best for you. I know easier said than do, but really listen to your gut. Follow your heart and go wherever it takes you!!!
Best of luck!
I appreciate your honesty and can definitely relate. The best decisions we make for ourselves are often the hardest ones to make. For me, it always comes down to whether my heart will be fuller and whether this decision will push me to become the person I am meant to be. I often shy away from that because sometimes the status quo seems easier. It usually means finding a new balance, but it has always been worth it in the end. Good luck with your decision!
Curious as to what your big decision is in regards to, but glad you’re blogging about it. I love reading honest posts from bloggers. Good luck with you decision!
PRAY 🙂
I agree with Whitney!
And I think you have to go with your gut. Even if it’s the scarier decision, maybe against your “realistic” side, sometimes great decisions take big leaps of faith. Change is always a little scary!
Plus, you say it’s not the best time right now. We all have plans for life, and a lot of times those plans don’t work out exactly as we thought. Maybe this opportunity is the beginning for some new, or just different, plans?!
Cheering for ya whatever you choose!
Don’t feel guilty! We are all friends here 🙂 Making a decision when you can see both sides is always hard; I envy people that seem to know exactly what they want and just do it.
I’m with you on the pro/cons list and talking with friends and family… support is important when figuring out the right choice for you.
Wish you could have made it to the blogger meet-up, too!
Whenever something is heavy on my heart or mind, I pray about it – and then talk to those closest to me…my husband, my sister. It sounds like you’re doing all the right things for you, to help you decide.
I know when I was making a major life decision (changing jobs) I focused more on how my family would feel in the future rather than how I was feeling at that point in time. It helped bring the emotions out of it a little bit and put it all in perspective.
I’m so sorry to hear you’re struggling Jen. But I also admire you- and Nicole- for being so open with your readers about something. I’m also dealing with a large issue, but don’t have the courage to say it out loud yet. But seeing two friends be so open about something definitely helps.
I’m praying for you that everything works out well. 🙂
I’m sorry you are struggling right now. Whatever it may be, good luck making the decision!!!
Jen
One of the reasons I read your blog is your honesty. At the end of the day, it’s your blog and you get to decide what you post to the masses. Don’t apologize for injecting a bit of reality into your posts. I’m sorry you’re struggling with what sounds like a major life decision/change, but I have a feeling you already know your answer. Thinking of you!
I can totally relate to the indecision you are facing. Over the past 3yrs, I’ve had to choose many times between two completely opposite options, and it wasn’t easy… Still ain’t.
My best advice is to ask yourself: if not now, then when? We often tend to wait for the “perfect” moment to do something, as if there’s really a perfect moment.
I spend so much of my time struggling with trying to choose how to spend my time. I tend to focus all of my energy on what others want or expect from me instead of going with what I really want and/or need to do for myself. I’ll give you Brad’s advice (and we both can follow it) – there will never be a “perfect time” so you should always choose what is going to make your heart full and put your mind at peace right now, no matter how scary it might seem. Hope this helps! And maybe a bit of retail therapy will take a little edge off. I’m praying hard for you!
Bummer! I hate making decisions; I’m so indecisive as well!! What’s your gut telling?
That should read: “What’s your gut telling you?”
My motto for making big decisions:
“Think hard, act fast!”
If I ask my mom for advice on a big decision, she will say to me- “you already know what to do.”
Put your hand on your heart and feel what your heart says.
Good luck girl.
xoxo
Sorry to hear you are having a hard time with this decision! I hope that whatever you will decide will bring you and those you love happiness 🙂
Me and my Libra scales are always working overtime. :0) I find, more often than not, that I’m overthinking it. You probably already know exactly what to do. It’s in your gut. Follow that. And know that whatever you choose, you chose it for some reason that maybe only your gut knows right now, but will become apparent to you later. Good luck! I can definitely empathize.
Following your heart and leaving it up to God always seems to work for me. Your realistic side will always find a reason for you not to do something big. Early this year I struggled finding the right time for me and my husband to have a baby. There was always a reason to wait. Money, school, work, etc. We decided to leave it up to God and found out we were pregnant 17 days after finishing our Master’s degree. It took a good 7 months, but I believe God made it happen when He knew the time was right.
Long story short, I say follow your heart. 🙂
I will keep you in my prayers.
Good luck with your decision – Great looking dinner also!
Prayer, lots of it. I hope that you find peace in whatever decision you might be holding onto. I know its tough. It will all work out in the end, you have our support!