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How do you make decisions?

I’m not talking about choosing between that gooey hot fudge sundae and decadent cherry cheesecake. That’s easy.

 Some of each. Please.

I’m referring to the meaty issues like career, marriage, school or moving to Australia.

While molten fudge ice cream bliss makes me smile, it’s not likely to change my life, but hauling my butt to Australia could. Those gigantic decisions can throw us into a tizzy. Yes, my mom says, tizzy. When it really matters, we can fret away sleep and burn calories pacing a groove in the wood floor.

Does this work?

Not so much.

Take a breath. Calm your mind and ask:
If I were independently wealthy and had no family or friends, what would I do?

Have an answer?

And that’s what pure emotion, ignoring reality and responsibility will get you. It's not good.
I’d be booking my trip for Australia and packing sun block.
While emotion and desire have their place, they aren’t the end of the matter. Bring in more tools.

1.    Reasoning

Make a pro/Con list.
Example: Pro
I get to taste exotic crocodile.

Con
Exotic crocodile may eat me.

You get the idea. No. I wouldn’t eat crocodile.

2.    Knowledge

Gather information including what you know of yourself.
Example: Australia has some wicked bugs.

I hate bugs.

3.    Circumstances


These are basic truths in your life.

Example: I’m married. I like being married and so does my husband.
I won’t be married if I move to Australia.

I’m getting too rickety to sleep on the ground and still move in the morning.

4.    Counsel

Speak with others who have done what you’re looking to do.
Speak to family and friends you trust will be honest.

Example: (Mom) “Are you nuts? The Dingoes will get you!”
(Husband) “Are you out of your mind? How is our marriage supposed to work if you’re in Australia?”

There were some good points to consider. There are Dingoes. Grin.

There you have it, my short list for making important choices in life.

Australia?

Nope. I’m not moving in with the aborigines.

I can barely get off the floor after a rousing game of “Candy Land” with the grand daughter.
And I’d miss my family.
And being married to my husband.

I’ll plan a vacation to Australia and sleep in a bed and eat normal food. No crocodile or bugs on the menu.
Tonight, I’ll snuggle up to my hubby and watch Crocodile Dundee.
Now that’s a good choice.

Comments always encouraged!


6/16/2013 02:06:55 pm

Love it, Sandy! And for the record, I'm really glad you aren't moving to Australia:-)

6/16/2013 02:21:41 pm

You are too cute! I'm glad too. My hubby needs me.

6/16/2013 02:14:25 pm

I absolutely suggest going to Australia. I went three years ago this month. I loved it. Post your trip when you do it. And don't forget New Zealand. It's well worth it also.

6/16/2013 02:22:57 pm

This is perfect! Just what I needed some good counsel from those who know. Thank you! New Zealand is a must!

6/16/2013 10:34:20 pm

Fun post with a good message on how to make a major decision.

6/17/2013 12:25:01 am

Thank you! We all have choices to make and sometimes some order helps.

6/16/2013 10:57:41 pm

This is a big decision and yes, they are never easy. It's so easy to keep the status quo but oh what great things happen when you step out of that comfort zone. I hope the move is easy.

6/17/2013 12:26:21 am

Thanks, but I won't be leaving. This was more of an example than reality. I would love to see Australia.

6/16/2013 11:03:09 pm

Loved the post, Sandy. Thanks for a good smile on this Monday morning. Great tips!!

6/17/2013 12:27:01 am

I'm glad that you enjoyed it. Smiles are great!

Ann Bracken
6/16/2013 11:14:15 pm

Definitely VISIT Australia, and I second the suggestion to see New Zealand. I loved both. Don't miss driving the Great Ocean Road on the southern coast of Australia, it was gorgeous.

6/17/2013 12:28:31 am

Thanks for the counsel. You always surprise me with the things you know and the places you've been.
Another vote for New Zealand!

6/16/2013 11:43:50 pm

Thank goodness you're not going! I don't know what I'd do without you! Thanks for the morning jump-start. Great blog post!

6/17/2013 12:29:21 am

Glad you enjoyed it! I'd miss you, too.

6/17/2013 12:43:22 am

That's it Sandy, lets save our pennies now in a going to Australia fund and plan the goal date!

6/17/2013 01:10:12 am

I have a list of places I want to go. I think I need a few more piggy banks. LOL!
Thanks Annie. Let's do it!

6/17/2013 12:47:16 am

Sandy, so glad you're not going to move to Australia - visiting is okay, but to live there is so far away - when would we ever get to see you????

6/17/2013 01:11:03 am

That's what my husband said. When would he ever see me?
Glad that you enjoyed the post.

6/17/2013 01:04:29 am

Radical Pros and Cons. Love it, Sandy. Fun post!

6/17/2013 01:12:12 am

Thank you! Radical choices deserve radical Pros and Cons. Grin.

6/17/2013 02:09:42 am

I'm glad you're not moving too :)
Excellent process by which to make decisions. Some times we forget and a reminder is appreciated.

6/17/2013 05:19:38 am

Hi Clancy!
Great to hear from you. At times I'm the one needing the reminder. I need to get out of my own way.

6/17/2013 11:59:29 am

I so agree, Sandy. Big decisions need to be made with the heart and whole lot of common sense.

6/17/2013 02:15:30 pm

Thanks for the support and your wisdom. It's great to hear from you.

6/17/2013 01:37:52 pm

I agree with your current choice, Sandy. Visit and keep everyone happy...and married. :) Nice post to think about.

6/17/2013 02:16:59 pm

Thank you, Calisa. It works for me.
Sending you blessings.

6/18/2013 05:04:24 am

Great points, Sandy. However, for me it would be Scotland -- at least during the spring, summer and fall. Like my mom used to say - the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. However, I think you need to have a dream. Glad you're not moving far away, though. :)

6/18/2013 10:25:45 am

Scotland is on the list. I have many dreams. grin.
I hope you are able to make many trips to Scotland.

I'm glad that I'm staying here.


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