, by Adena Halpern. It's about a woman, Ellie, on her 75th birthday, who makes a wish on her candles that she could be 29 again. And what do you know, it comes true! I love a sweet little 'magical' twist on a book. =) She gets a blissful day as a 29year old again, and then has to choose if she wants to stay 29 or go back to being 75.The journey and thoughts Ellie had on her big day made me think about if I would want a do-over of a time- a day, a year- in my life.
Nope.
But I might welcome some advice. Namely, to my middle school self. My mom says I was pretty, but for goodness sakes, I had braces and tightly curled bangs and wore Adidas sandals and Stussy shirts (anyone else?)
If I could tell that sweet girl something, it would be to honor herself as the beautiful daughter of God that she was. Treat yourself kindly, as He does. Don't give in to gossip and boys and cliques. You're so pretty! {My mom did tell me this all the time =) } Live your life but do it in a joyfilled and Christ-like way.
I think that's what I'd want to know. But a total do-over? Nah. I like my bumpy, rocky, lovely past.
How about you - would you change anything about your life?
-anna
{girl with blog}
I received the book 29 for free as part of the From Left to Write book club. While this post was inspired by the book, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
i would like to give some of that advice to my junior high self. now that i have a daughter getting close to jr. high, i am trying to figure out how to convince her to believe she is beautiful and loved by God as well.
ReplyDeletei think jr. high has to be the hardest time of life ever!
Every once and awhile, I wish for a "do over" but then I realize that, no, I really don't. I'm content with my life - mistakes and all. I'm looking forward to seeing how much future will unfold, too!
ReplyDeleteThere is a day I would love to go back, but as I am now, and talk to myself. I would tell myself that 'he's not worth the tears. You and your baby will be just fine without him'. It would probably take me longer than I day though.
ReplyDeleteLove your post. I'd like to read this book...if I can find the time.
Thank you for sharing.
Nope. I'm with you. Everything, the good and the bad, has taken me to where I am today. And it's a pretty good place.
ReplyDeleteLast year, I watched my oldest girl go through so many of these struggles...although with her, she was longing desperately to belong with a group of girls that relished the power they had over her. It was gut-wrenching, but I am so proud of how far she's come in just a year. Growing up is indeed painful!
ReplyDeleteDear Girl, one of my goals in life is to reassure every young woman and girl in my life that they are fabulous JUST THE WAY THEY ARE! Let that sink deeply into your soul.
ReplyDeleteStop by www.brendabartellapeterson.com to read about the life that has gotten me to this time and philosophy.