Take a RISK!

The other day a phrase came to me from Virgil, the Roman historian:

"Fortes fortuna adiuvat"

Translated, that means fortune favors the bold.

That phrase stands the test of time--be bold, what in the hell have you got to lose sitting on the sidelines?

I know a woman who has never asked a man out on a date because that is "not what ladies do." She always sits by the phone, thinking that by doing so she is not behaving like "a lady." And that scenario is making her miserable. Out of obligation to tradition, she is making herself miserable.

Since this is a family blog I won't say the one word that is 8-letters long, starts with a "b" and ends with "t." I have challenged her to stop doing the same behavior she is complaining about. If she meets a man she would like to go out with, forget The Rules and pick up the phone.

What would happen if she asked a man out?

1. She won't like him;
2. She will like him:
3. He will like her:
4. He won't like her;
5. They will both like each other;
6. They will both not like each other;
7. He won't show up...
8. Or something I can't predict will occur.

Regardless of any of those outcomes (and I am sure there are a few more I can't think of), she wins! She took a risk instead of wondering what would happen if she had asked him out.

Life is far too short to be in love with ambiguity.

Fortes fortuna adiuvat

In honor of five years of helping others help themselves, David Ezell is offering free workshops on relationships, weight loss and depression. Click on the links to register as seating is very limited.

Rowe vs. Wade

Let's take a moment to think about Rowe vs. Wade and it's significance in the history of these Untied (sic) States.

Giving women control of their bodies to make their own ethical choices is a principle that has to be preserved. Giving women--giving people--the adults to make decisions is a basic right guaranteed by the founding documents of this nation (recall "the pursuit of happiness"). But beyond that it is the primary way we as humans grow.

Are some people going to be irresponsible? Certainly. Are some going to make bad choices based on their circumstances? Absolutely. But it will be their choice and not a dictate from a small clutch of judgemental thinkers acting in some pseudo-parental capacity.

Living is growing and learning. Learning comes from making decisions, good as well as bad. I actually think the bad choices are the ones that in the long run are far more valuable. Rowe vs. Wade as well as gay marriage are related in that sense. Empowering those without rights to make choices and discover consequences creates people who feel empowered and more adult, even if they made the wrong moves.

Here's to making the wrong moves--as well as the right ones.