When Life Gives You Lemons…

Jun 8, 2011 by lanashabit

Big decisions are hard.

Buying a car is a HUGE decision.

I will be moving to Atlanta in the fall for work and need a reliable car. My old Honda Accord has 250,000 miles, peeling paint and no AC. Not to mention that, by the grace of another cars bumper in a parking lot, the Honda is totaled. I will no longer be able to call my dad if my starter fails or my clutch goes out. He will be in Texas and I will be in Georgia.

Yes, I’ve known I would need a new car for a while and started test-driving cars two weeks ago. Test-driving was tons of fun. Talking to car salesmen was interesting. Negotiating was slightly intimidating, but physically spending a chunk of my own, hard earned money was nerve-racking.

A million thoughts ran through my head. Is the salesman screwing me over? Do I need to read another book on Negotiating 101? Am I doing what is best for me? How long should I extend my loan term? If I purchase this car and get hit by a bus tomorrow, will I have enough money to buy an artificial titanium leg with a biocompatible ball-and-socket joint?

The unknown is scary. But that’s life right?

The situation wasn’t all “lemons”…

But when you have a bowl of lemons at home…

Quick Lemonade
my fast, sugar-free version

1 tall glass of water
juice of 2 large lemons
1/2 packet of stevia, plus more to taste
ice

1. Chill glass of water in the fridge

2. Add lemon juice, stevia and ice to water. Stir and enjoy.

*****

So how does my story end…

I purchased a car. A 2011 Nissan Altima Coupe to be exact. The biggest purchase of my life to-date. I signed my name on 15 forms. I stopped being afraid of the unknown and I made lemonade. Nothing is perfect, but life is wonderful.

*****

You probably also noticed that I redesigned the blog. Another nerve-racking decision….can I actually host a website? Can I learn CSS coding? Can I design a blog….Yes, Yes and Yes!

I recently read this article about small habits that can help you step out of your comfort zone. I thought it was applicable at this point in my life:

1. Develop a habit of mixing things up

2. Develop a habit of doing things in small steps

3. Develop a habit of letting other people help you by keeping you accountable

“Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.”
Brian Tracy