Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of making conscious actions, choices, and decisions to shape one's life positively, akin to writing a bestselling life story.

Abstract

The narrative revolves around a conversation between two friends, Kate and Jelly, where Kate observes that Jelly consistently makes sound decisions, seemingly writing a successful life story. Jelly attributes her approach to life lessons from her mother, who taught her that her actions, choices, and decisions are the pen that writes her life story. The article, inspired by Pene Hodge's "Positivity And Purpose," suggests that by maintaining a positive mindset and learning from both personal experiences and the experiences of others, one can lead a life filled with wisdom and joy rather than regret and sadness. It underscores that the stories of our lives are a direct result of our daily decisions and that by being mindful of these, we can author a life that is both fulfilling and exemplary.

Opinions

Jelly's mother believes that one's life story is shaped by their actions, choices, and decisions, which cannot be erased and will lead to either sadness or joy.
Kate acknowledges that many of her past actions are now sources of pain for herself and others, realizing the truth in Jelly's mother's advice.
Jelly reveals that she learns from the mistakes of others, allowing her to make better choices and maintain a happier life than many of her peers.
The article suggests that life's lessons can be learned with less personal pain by observing and learning from the actions and consequences experienced by others.
The concept of "true freedom" is alluded to, implying that it is not about doing what one pleases but about making choices that lead to a life of fulfillment and wisdom.

Your AC&D Writes Your Life Story

Yes, you are writing your life stories with your actions, choices, and decisions. Write a bestseller!

The Brain. Image by Annelise Lords (author)

Inspired by: Positivity And Purpose by Pene Hodge

She said: If you focus on the lessons with a positive mindset, you will always leave the classroom of life wiser than you entered.

https://readmedium.com/positivity-and-purpose-809a3f9ff69a

“How come you always make the right decisions?” Kate asked Jelly

Looking at her best friend in annoyance as they were about to enter the restaurant for lunch, Jelly said, “Nobody does that, girl.”

“You have,” she adds. “I have been studying your life since we were kids. You have managed to stay out of trouble and away from most of the problems that plague most people.”

Giving her her full attention, Jelly stared at her wide-eyed, then shot out, “what problems have I avoided that is harming everyone?”

Kate slowly took Jelly’s hands, pulling her gently to the nearest empty table, “sit down,” she encouraged and slowly eased back into the past, after signaling the waiter, who came with menus.

They chose their meals, and he hurried away smiling.

“When we were six years old, in Mrs. Winter’s class, when she left for a while. The class erupted, and we had fun until she came back. You sat and did your work.”

“I was a disciplined child.”

“You missed out on the fun. You missed a lot of fun.”

“Sorry, but I was raised by a rigorous mother. I knew the consequences of disobedience.”

“At six years old?”

“Didn’t she punish the entire class, and I was allowed to go outside and play?”

“Damn!” Kate swiped out.

“Go on,” Jelly mocked her.

“At ten years old and Andre the bully took away four of us lunches. You decided that four was enough for him, and when he attempted to take yours, you beat the daylights and the night lights out of him.”

“Would you believe that I was terrified of him?”

“Really, you weren’t very convincing after the beating you gave him. He was so traumatized he transformed into a born-again Christian after that,” Kate said laughing.

“You are so dramatic,” Jelly remarks eyeing Kate in awe.

“I swear, today he is a priest.”

In shock, Jelly assured, “I was terrified of him. But I didn’t have breakfast that morning. My mom was punishing me for not doing my chores. That was a food fight. I was hungry.”

They both burst out laughing as the patrons in the restaurant stared at them with furled brows.

“High school,” Kate went on, glaring back at them. “Most of us did everything expected of teenagers. Boys, smoking, sex, coloring our hair, increasing our parent’s gray hairs and high blood pressure. A few experiments with drugs. You did the opposite.”

“My mom said that we write our life stories with our actions, choices, and decisions. She warned me daily that I would have to live with what I write. I won’t be able to erase anything, and it will follow me into the world. It will bring me two things. Sadness or joy.”

“But everybody experiences both emotions,” Kate reacted.

“True, but some more than others.”

Staring at Jelly as realization scores the goal, Kate said in deep thought, “Your Mom was right. Many things I did in the past are causing me and many others I know lots of pain.”

Silence took control as the waiter appeared with their meals. Minutes later, Kate asks after chewing, then gulping down a mouthful of water, “My grandmother said that all of what I and others did should be lessons. But you didn’t do a lot of anything wrong. Even in college. How come you are happier than everybody I know?”

“My grandmother warned that I can learn from my mistakes with pain and regrets, or learn from yours with wisdom. You studied my life. I did the same to yours and everyone else I know. As life unfolds, I learn from you and everyone to be and do better than all of you. It’s my life I will be living. My life story I will be writing. I do that by, . .”

“By your actions, choices, and decisions,” Kate cut her off as tears slid down.

Jelly grabbed a napkin and reached over, wiping away the tears from Kate’s eyes. Then encourage, “My grandmother also said that if we don’t learn from our mistakes, the pain will never go away.”

Yes, you are writing your life stories with your actions, choices, and decisions. Write a bestseller!

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