One life-changing question…
Every once in a while, I like to sit down with a pad of paper and pencil and write out everything I can think of that crosses my mind to this one, seemingly simple question.
What if??
It crosses my mind, “Why we are afraid to answer this?”. Is it the possibility of our desires coming true? Is it the fear of wanting more? Of acknowledging that maybe, just maybe, we aren’t completely satisfied? Does if feel like a betrayal of gratitude and grace? I was raised with a constant reminder that good enough is just that - good enough. Why replace something that isn’t broken? Why throw what can be fixed? Why crave something I don’t need?
It was not intended to reduce dreaming and desire, so much as create a posture of gratitude. For a very literal, deep-feeling girl like myself though, I think I took it to extremes and internalized the message to not want more than I needed. Play it small and be grateful. For the record, we truly don’t need much. Food, water, shelter, love. Beyond that most things are a convenience. However, wanting and dreaming are the songs of our hearts and maybe, I would argue, our purpose in life.
As I’ve aged, I’m learning it’s not only OK to want, but it’s healthy. This is where our dreams and imaginations come to life, where new ideas are brought forth, and where desires are finally allowed to come out of the shadows. These two words can be the beginning of incredible movements, businesses, relationships, and blessings in this world.
What if was the beginning question for both our nonprofit serving children facing medical challenges & my current job.
“What if we took your $100 and created something to sell so that we could donate even more money?”
“What if we created art-based activity kits for kids in hospitals with all of the supplies so they could do something fun and ‘normal’"
“What if I helped other business owners from the comfort of my home so I can bring in an income and still be as present for my family and daughters’ activities as I’d like?”
Now I’m asking it again - what if there are other moms, wives, women looking to feel more sane, aligned and joyful in the midst of serving their family, working, and taking care of themselves. What if I created that space? What would that look like? What could come from it? What if it created a better, happier balance for other moms? How would that affect their families in a positive way?
I don’t have the answers and honestly I won’t know until I try it. I’m learning that living isn’t in the answers so much as the experiences of trying. Are you willing to set aside 15 minutes, grab a pencil and answer that question without letting your pencil stop until the timer goes off. Write it ALL down - the ridiculous, the untrue, the ideas, the dreams. It doesn’t matter because even though you may not get to 29 of the 30 desires and ideas you wrote down all it takes is that one idea that snuck in under the radar to ignite your fire and make your heart feel a little lighter.
The future belongs
to those who believe
in the beauty of their
dreams.
Eleanor Roosevelt
I truly believe our dreams are a gift from a higher source, so who am I to ignore that voice? What do I have to lose anyhow?!
