SEVEN FOR YOU â—½ TIPS
Influenced
Our Panel of Women
We’re all influenced by something, at some point, that changes us. Maybe it’s our children, the news, social media, life experiences, just growing older. We learn or observe or take in that which is before us, and we walk a new path…. We asked the Panel to think about what has influenced them and how, and to share it with us!
Even as we get older, there are so many opportunities for growth and change. Some are more difficult to navigate than others, especially if our values seem to be challenged. Watching my children grow into adulthood has influenced me to be less judgmental. Some of their choices were not what I considered appropriate or wise. But, I had to love them anyway and let them choose their own way. I had to place them in God’s hands.
Other growth, for me has come while traveling a difficult health journey. I knew that God would walk with me through thick or thin. This experience has caused me to lean into his promises and trust his care.
On a lighter note, I have learned to enjoy online shopping. Generally, I hate shopping because I don’t have the energy and I am too indecisive when faced with so many choices. However, online shopping helps me find and order items that I need from the comfort of my own home and at my convenience. It works for me.I think it’s good to learn and grow from our experiences.
It’s a gift from God. – Gina
PAIN. Pain is what influences me to make changes.
Can’t fit into my pants? Guess I better eat more veggies and take a few more walks!
Having trouble relating to my family and processing my emotions? Better text my therapist.
Tired and grumpy? Guess I better put my phone down and get to bed on time.
I’m turning 49 years old this year. You’d think something besides PAIN would influence me. Alas.
Laura
About 12 years ago my husband and I went to see a cousin in Oregon. She was quite a bit older than me. She showed us all around the area and she could walk circles around me all day long. I asked her how she was in such good shape, and she told me about a book with a healthy for life eating plan. It’s called The 17 Day Diet, by Dr. Mike Moreno. When I got home, I bought the book and in the next few months I lost about thirty pounds and felt amazing. It even tells you what to do for those times you mess up.
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Another thing I’ve started doing recently is what I call cleaning for my kids. I have a long way to go but I’ve started going through things in my home and getting rid of them. Some things that I know my kids want, like family heirlooms, I’ve started giving to them. This way I can see them enjoying it.
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The third thing that has changed my life was something I heard. It was during a Beth Moore Bible Study. She gave the suggestion of wearing a cross bracelet to help us remember to pray and think of Jesus throughout the day. This was something she did. My first thought was I already do that. But after hearing this I started to notice how little I did go to God during the day. So, I tried it. I got several cross bracelets, wore them daily, and it really changed my life. I have graduated from a bracelet since I’m at home more. I now wear a cross pinky ring every day. I put it on immediately after I get up and I actually don’t feel dressed without it. – Carole
I’d say I've been influenced by three things in the past decade or so that have helped me change some ways for the better...I think!
First source is my kids. They let me know when I'm using verbiage that's out of date. At first I was offended, but then I realized it's a good thing to learn from them a more kind way to say certain things.
Secondly, Instagram has practically influenced me as a grandmother. There are so many cool ideas to try with toddlers and they're fun!
And thirdly, we've been attending a new church that teaches through the bible using context and history, etc. that has blown my mind and drawn me closer to Him. I feel like I'm thirsty for more every week...- Marcy
The first thing that stands out in my mind of an incident that influenced me was when I met a person who expressed that I seemed, and these are my words because I can’t remember exactly what he said, “high maintenance.” I asked him why he thought that and he said it was because I always had my hair and makeup done every day, wore designer clothing, and had jewelry throughout my hands, arms, and ears.
I did not like the impression he received, but appreciated his honesty. It really made me think about how I would like to be perceived. Don’t get me wrong. I still do my hair and I won’t go out of the house without makeup! But the jewelry, I must confess, was an effort to show people that I was something more, perhaps? Anyway, after much thought, I put all my jewelry away and have not worn it in the past 20 some-odd years. I like myself better now, there are no façades, no pretentiousness. I am who I am. – Anita
A wonderful group of ladies that I do weekly Bible study with have challenged me to change my way of thinking on several issues including the programs I watch/listen to and how I navigate forgiveness.
Watching my mom go beyond her 98 years has challenged me to floss more, take better care of myself and enjoy being the age I am even with its limitations.
My grandkids have challenged me to find the fun wherever we are and no matter how imperfect the situation. - Shelley