Have The Courage To Live Your Truth

I quit watching the news and mainstream television back in my military wife days, to avoid receiving ill news about the war and, because, to be quite frank, I didn’t have time for the negativity and I was busy enough with my own life. I was pregnant with Elyssa, and she is now 11 years old, so you do the math (if you want to lol).

About 2 years ago, my husband and I decided to stop listening to mainstream radio programming, as well. Even when the music is great, the ads and the commentary can leave a bad aftertaste.

Of course, I love movies and I love music, so doing completely without just won’t do. Family movie night and going to the movie theater in our PJ’s are some of the traditions we most love. We are are a family of dancers, artists, musicians, singers, and songwriters, so we would sure have a boring existence without music.

There is not a shortage of fun in our household, and… when we find a family movie we like, we watch it over and over, and memorize the lyrics to the soundtrack. We make vegan popcorn, make almond milk hot chocolate, and snuggle up in front of the big screen TV to make some memories.

A few days ago, we had the privilege to preview an advanced copy of The One I Wrote For You, a San Antonio filmed movie that will be in Theaters this coming weekend in Texas: December 5th. We’ve already watched it 4 times and looking forward to many more.

My entire family loved this movie. It was entertaining, funny, had a wonderful plot, and more importantly for me, it had an amazing message. I’ve written probably half a dozen different reviews in my head with different angles, because it’s THAT good.

I decided that the main message I want to share is about teaching our children to have the courage to live their truth.

How To Live Your Truth and Live A Life You Love

It’s not enough to follow your dream… There are three aspects of this statement that I want to point out and that the movie actually depicts quite well.

1. You must be clear about your dream ~ We received a lovely package of goodies that encouraged us to write our dream. My daughters and I knew within seconds what we would write. They are 11 and 12 and already living their dreams! My husband was not encouraged as a child to be clear on his dream, and he’s still gathering puzzle pieces. As parents, we have a sacred privilege and duty to guide and teach our children to be clear about their dreams and to make choices that get them closer to achieving it. I am grateful for watching this film with my husband, because he could see me depicted as a wife who wants him to be happy and fulfilled and that is why I bug him so much about finding his dream and discovering what makes him feel alive. He always reads my blog posts when I say “the best mom is a happy mom” but now he got to hear it in the film: “If you want to be a good husband, do what you love… if you want to be a good father, follow your dreams!” If your parents didn’t teach you that dreams come true… teach yourself… then teach your children!
2. You must follow your dream in the way you dreamed it (on your own terms) ~ Everyone has an opinion on how things are supposed to be, how things should be, how you should act, look, feel, talk, dress, or walk. Don’t compromise, don’t tweak, don’t settle. I always say “if God gave you a vision, He’ll give you the provision!” Forget the naysayers that want to plant a seed of doubt in you.
3. You must stay in integrity with yourself while on the journey ~ In The One I Wrote For You, we see the struggles that we all face on the way to our dreams, especially when it comes to living in integrity, staying true to yourself, and keeping our priorities straight. I always say: “Character is what one is; reputation is what one is thought to be; integrity is when the one is in alignment with the other.”

There are 3 keys I’ve used to teaching my girls to be empowered:

1. Teach by example ~ When they see you inspired by the direction your life is heading, joyful about the life you lead, and purposely serving others using your God-given talents, they develop and expand their capacity to do the same.
2. Teach by involvement ~ Sometimes as a mentor, I’ve encountered moms who are avid readers who can’t explain why their children see her reading all the time, yet they aren’t interested in books. Children learn what they see, but they REALLY learn what they are involved in. I’ve always read with my kids, so they read independently, as well.
3. Teach by narration ~ I am a word-nerd and a firm believer of the power words exude. I encourage you to take advantage of every single teachable moment to talk to your kids and share what you know,  tell them what you believe, and depict what they can achieve. Movies like The One I Wrote For You present a great opportunity to bring topics to the table where you get to chime in and leave your mark as a mom.

A Word Of Caution…

If you are too busy to follow your dreams, to live your truth, and to connect with your kids to lead them, guide them, and help them find their way… I wonder:

Are your kids your reason or are they your excuse?

When you do what you love and love what you do, you will create the influence, income, and impact you were designed to enjoy. You must be bold, be brave, and embrace your gifts so you bless the world with them. But you must never forget that your children have their own path — one that is not yours to walk… because to teach them how to live their truth, you must learn to let go and let them.

The One I Wrote For You movie is one of the best family films I’ve seen in years.

I highly recommend you watch it with your loved ones and then discuss the many lessons you learn about the power of love, the beauty of loyalty, and the mysterious ways of God. Plus… the cast is extraordinary and the music is delightful! I predict many movie nights and spontaneous family karaoke inspired by this lovely film.

See the movie in theaters December 5th-7th during opening weekend. You’ll LOVE it!

[ela]