I love happy endings.
You know what I mean. None of us goes to the theater or out so we can get gloomier.
As I notice the world around us tell us we can’t do more because we aren’t enough, or just because we can’t, I’m more and more drawn to those happy endings & the I Can stories, movies, & moments.
A while back we saw the movie, We Bought a Zoo. It’s based on the true story of world-traveling journalist & widower, Benjamin Mee, who decides to move his two children out to the middle of nowhere…and reopen a zoo.
Adorable little girl as Rosie? Check.
Matt Damon as dad? Check.
Rise-above-the-obstacles-message? Check
Happy ending? Check, check.
You know what’s funny? This movie is one of the reasons we chose to homeschool this year. No, Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) wasn’t homeschooling his kids or preaching about education. There was something else that captured me about this film, though. And it wasn’t just the enchanting music by Jonsi.
This man had a vision for his family. Against practical judgement & strong advice from everyone around him, he saw what he wanted for them and he. went. for. it.
Period.
I’ve watched it half a dozen times, and I’d watch it right now if I had a few extra minutes.
I’ve thought a lot about why the story meant so much to me and why it moved me so.
Maybe this clip will explain why…
“Why not” has taken me to so many incredible places…much more exciting and challenging and spectacular than the “why” places. Why not led me to the mission fields, and to the poor. To my husband and my beautiful children. To write this blog, start a business, write scary things, speak at events, open the shop. To destinations still unknown.
Honestly, there are BIG moments and opportunities we’re facing right now here in small Troy, Alabama, in this house. With faith in our pockets, we will cling to “why not” as we take giant leaps and put our lives in more capable Hands.
Be brave, today, friends.
Ask yourself, “why not?”
Go for it. Live the life your dreams are made of.
Today.
P.S. If you’re like me, putting your dreams out there is the first step in going for it…we’d love to read about your why not moments/dreams if you’d like to share in the comments below!
Shaunna,
This post was for me. I am sitting here with tears in my eyes as I read it. I have recently been offered the opportunity to teach workshops on tablescaping and up-cycling with a local floral designer. She is substantially more established than I am and initially I felt completely inadequate. When I shared my misgivings with my 13 year old daughter, she looked at me and said, “Mom, you’ve been a professional artist for 3 years now. You have built promoted and succeeded in staging 3 barn sales, and you’ve been decorating other people’s houses for as long as I can remember. What makes you not qualified to do this?” I decided at that point, that I would no longer question myself. I would just embrace the opportunity like I did as a teenager, nothing doubting. Thinking “Why not?” makes the opportunity seem so full of potential, which it truly is. Thanks for reminding me that this is fun. That life is an opportunity, a gateway to new joy and adventure.
Marian
I’m getting goosebumps, Marian!! GO FOR IT!
😀
shaunna
Hi Shaunna,
Thank you for another inspirational post! I have recently faced the “why not?” moment and I have decided to go for it! I am finally building my wordpress blog with a design company, Bliss and Tell. I am hoping to have my first post up and running by the end of this month or next. For years I have dreamt of sharing my passion of art, home décor, and DIY projects with others. I love taking a break from my busy day to hop online and check up on my favorite blogs, and I hope one day I will have readers that visit daily, too. There is something so invigorating about sharing your knowledge, hobbies and passion with complete strangers. As a daily reader of Perfectly Imperfect, and a few of my other favorites, I feel that I have gotten to know each of the individuals behind the wise words, glue, glitter and paint. You have each become a source of inspiration and a friend. I love reading about the trials and tribulations, hopes and dreams, and the joy experienced when something is accomplished. It is so good to see others go for it and turn their passion into something amazing. Something that helps spark the creativity in others and reminds them to chase their dreams, too. It’s people helping people, and I love it!
Thanks again!
Amazing, Lisa. Good for you!
🙂
shaunna
Love, love, loved this post! I frequently ask myself the same thing. I’ve been a nurse for 25 years (graduated from Troy – yay!) and now want to pursue a more creative path. I’ve been painting up a storm (with paint purchased from you 🙂 ) but have not been very diligent with the business end of things. This just gave me a little push! I want to see that movie now too! Thanks Shauna and have a wonderful day!
Thank you so much!! Oh, yeah, go see that movie!
🙂
shaunna
Shaunna,
This is exactly what I needed to hear this morning… those words “Be Brave Today” is what I’m going to cling to the next few weeks as I get ready to open my shop. I’ve been in the retail business for many years…started out selling at craft shows, then moved everything online. We finally made the big leap and signed a lease a few weeks ago to open up a brick & mortar store. At first, it was super exciting, and it still is. But fear and doubt are creeping in the closer we get to actually opening. Part of it is the stress of trying to figure out this new schedule as I also have young kids. I have mommy guilt and naysayers. It’s a lot to overcome. I pray often! But hearing some encouraging words from someone that has gone before me is so helpful!!
Thanks for sharing!! Ruth
Ruth, I know exactly how you feel. We get quite a lot of “are y’all crazy??” talks, because I write this blog, run the shop, the online shop, and homeschool…but you know, it works for our family right now. That’s all you can do is keep them first and see how it plays out. Go for it…keep your priorities in check, but do it!!!
🙂
shaunna
HI Shauna
Great timing on your blog!
In a major restructure, I was recently laid off from a job I love. I have been with my company for 25 years so this is the only ‘real job’ I’ve ever had.
I have a severance package that’s going to give me a boost to doing something that I really, really want to do but it’s so scary when I’ve ‘worked for the man’ my whole life.
Seeing the ‘why not’ is so helpful..especially today!
I am constantly inspired by you and your creations–have a great day!
Wendy
Hey Wendy! I’m so sorry– that must be so hard…thinking of you and praying prayers of courage and blessing.
🙂
shaunna
I loved this!! I am now living my “why not”! I have always been the “go to person” for friends, friends of friends and family for choosing paint colors, furniture placement, decor items,rugs, etc. In general, styling their homes. It’s what I do, it’s my passion. My children are grown, married with families of their own. About 6 months ago, I had that “why not” moment. Why not write a book? Why not start a business? So I did!! I have finished my first (of many!) books. It is in the reviewing process. I started a business and am now a Home Stylist providing consultative services and doing home staging as well. I am having MORE fun than a person should have!!! I so related to Marian’s comment. When I shared my plan with my kids, their response was “you have done this for as long as we can remember!” It was almost a” what took you so long” response. My husband is very supportive as well. It was scary at first, but that is how I knew it was the right thing to do! I figured the worst that could happen is it wouldn’t be successful…that’s it! That is SO much easier to live with than “I wish I had tried”.
Wonderful!! So inspiring…good for you for just going for it. Sounds like it’s paying off!!
🙂
shaunna
i think you wrote this for me today, i really do. 🙂
I just watched this movie a few weeks ago for the first time — and fell in love with it as well!
And the “Why Not?” quote hit home! It is something my boyfriend would say to encourage dreaming big and going for it.
It is so easy to come up with reasons and excuses to why we shouldn’t do one thing over another. But when you ask yourself, why not, then it is much harder to answer.
Thank you for being an inspiration — and for the great post today!
LOVE this. And now I have to watch that movie. 🙂 After 12 years of a hellish marriage in which I did everything right, or at least put on a big show of doing everything right all the while miserable the whole dang time, and was left devastated financially and all other ways, this sort of sums up my new life. I’m doing what’s best for my new family, even if we do get weird looks from everyone else. Life is too short. 🙂
I love that movie, too, and often think of the 20 seconds of courage.
Yeah, why the heck not!?
My why not is that I started painting furniture for fun and now I want to sell it. So I did today. I sold my first piece. I also want to retail paint and teach. So why not? I’m going to work towards this and see where it takes me.