Inspired

Tonight, I saw what was, in my opinion, an excellent movie--Julie and Julia. I loved it. It inspired me.

The movie tells the story of two seemingly unremarkable women who accomplish remarkable things by simply pursuing their lofty goals--day after day after day. They both did not "see the end from the beginning" and had no idea how their pursuits would end up. They both faced significant discouragement along their journeys. They both had the support of devoted husbands who believed in them.

Who knew that Julia Child was in her 40s before she really started cooking? Or that her famous cookbook took 8 years to write and was rejected by her intended publisher? Or that she was wildly in love with her husband? Or that she was heartbroken that she could never have children?

I didn't.

So, as it turns out, remarkably successful and impressive people are like me? They're just normal people with faults and bad habits and moments of total meltdown?

I am someone who likes to see the end from the beginning. I often don't like to start on an endeavor unless I can be sure that it will end well. I am also someone who has grand goals that often don't materialize--mostly because I don't persist through my discouragement. I'm also not that self-disciplined.

Remember my blog post several months ago about wanting to run a half marathon? Well, if you go back in my blog history, you won't find it.

I erased it.

I got too busy or too lazy or too something, so I gave it up--and I erased the post from my blog because I was embarrassed and didn't want anyone to know that I am a quitter.

There you have it: I am a quitter.

But after watching the movie, I feel more inspired to really start pursuing some of my life goals--in small steps, day after day.

My older sister is in town (hence the reason for the outing to the movies), and tonight at dinner we had an interesting conversation. I told her that I am still scared to be a mom because it looks difficult--and sometimes not so fun. At that, she burst into laughter and said, "Rachel, can you think of anything in life that is worth doing that is always fun??"

I had to sheepishly admit that, no, I cannot.

I have done many hard things. And sometimes, they're not so fun. And sometimes, I'm discouraged. But in the end, I am always grateful that I persisted.

So, motherhood is definitely one of my goals, even if it's hard. I'd also like to write a book. I'd like to run another half marathon. I'd like to speak Spanish fluently. I'd like to do something to help the children in my neighborhood, academically and emotionally. I'd like to pray morning and night, every day, and have a closer relationship with God. I'd like to adopt kids who need me. I'd like to overcome my addiction to junk food and learn to enjoy vegetables. I'd like to help a lot of people--as many people as I can. I'd like to live a good life and show my husband every day how much I love him.

Those are some of the things that I'd like to do. I am just a normal person, and believe me, I have many a discouraging flaw. But as I watched the movie tonight, I kept thinking, "They were normal, just like me. I need to make some specific goals and see what happens! And who knows...I might have some fun along the way..."

I love inspiring movies.

P.S. Can I just add that we have new neighbors who swear NON-STOP? As I sit here typing on our balcony (It's too hot to sit anywhere else), I have heard more curse words in 15 minutes than I ever thought possible. As irritating as this is, I do agree with one of their tamer quotes: "Buffalo is too damn hot."

Goodnight.