Did we say we are talking about big ideas this decade? Well, one of the things is to stop saying we are going to live intentionally and just do. So a part of intentional living is ensuring we get the most out of all that we do each day, and so one of the things I did recently was to decide to watch the movie A Fall From Grace. What might be entertainment to many was, for me, an intentional experience filled with many takeaways. Have you seen the movie yet???

I must admit I am Tyler Perry Movie Fan, not a series fan because, one, I cannot wait around for each episode because I do not have that kind of schedule. And two, I have a hard time digesting the storylines of the series Mistah Perry. But that is another story for another time.

I love Tyler’s movies (can I call you that Mr. Perry :-)) because there is always some value and/or takeaway that I can relate to. As I write, I recall ACRIMONY (oh Lordy, what a show) as well as Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor and Diary Of A Mad Black Woman, among many others.

And A Fall from Grace did not disappoint. There may be mixed reviews on this movie, but, I saw the immediate value to us (as women) and how we can use the value received to become better individuals.

What do you think about these takeaways!

• Be your number one fan, cheerleader, and your own squad. – You must be able to cheer for yourself when no one else is cheering you on. One of the things I believe we battle with as women is our need for acceptance and approval, especially as we grow older. It is a fact that most men age more gracefully than women, and as we get older, certain insecurities may resurrect themselves. At this point and even before, we must fiercely approve of ourselves. We must accept the imminent changes and boldly allow them to illuminate our space. Otherwise, we are in danger.
• Love yourself first and fiercely. – This goes in tandem with the above point. Love you first, otherwise, you cannot love your life. If that ingredient is missing, it may lead to you looking for love in the wrong places. It may lead to bitterness and other unmentionables. LOVE YOURSELF FIERCELY.
• Everything is not what it may seem – Be aware of the energy around you. Sometimes it may prove difficult to spot the people or things that need to go or the things you do not need to open yourself to. Understand that things can go awry and be prepared mentally for those occurrences. Do not get caught by surprise.
• Live today– Enjoy your life today in the present. Appreciate what you have because your life can change in an instant. It takes nothing for a great life to be taken away from you. Your financial security, your job, your house, loved ones.
• Love unconditionally but wisely – Life is what it is, and many things are out of our control, including love; do not let that close you in. Experience love fully with an understanding that we are all human beings who are sometimes guided by misaligned emotions. Be wise.
• Believe in yourself – You are always more than you think you are and stronger than you think you are. Challenging situations, once risen above, will strengthen you.
• Another person’s poor choices are not a reflection of you – Never tell yourself that something happened because you did this or that. Others’ actions are not about you but about their heart and what is inside of them. A man never leaves for a younger woman because you have stopped taking care of yourself. He leaves you because it’s his decision. It has nothing to do with you. A good man will say, let us go to the gym together because he remembers who he committed his life to. The decisions we make are influenced by our motives and the values that we hold dear to us. It’s never because of you. Remember that!

So what are your thoughts on the above? Did you watch the movie, and what are some of your takeaways? We would love to hear. Leave us a comment below. We want to hear from you.