What If?

I believe the two most powerful words could possibly be, “What If?” They hold curiosity and possibility. The collection of What If statements below represent an ongoing journey to explore what kind of world we might be able to create. Which of these inspire you to try something new?

… we lived our lives as if everyone was worthy of unearned respect, and we were so secure in our own worth that we expected none in return

… we embraced uncertainty and lived life comforted by mystery

… we stayed curious and open to all truths

… we offered grace as our natural response to everyone we meet

… we stripped off the masks that prevent others from seeing our true selves

… we lived life in peace rather than wanting to die in peace

… we lived every day as if there were clear blue skies

 … we were the hero in our own stories

… we lived our lives as if our purpose was to be fully present in every moment

… we trusted ourselves enough to take the risks that hold us back

… we honored both the time-earned wisdom of elders and the joyful innocence of youth with the same reverence

 … we celebrated the gifts of the other rather than fearing them

… we looked at each threshold as an invitation to a better life

… we made intentional space for silence and solitude rather than fullness and hurry

… we held all our beliefs loosely and stayed open to all that was possible

… we challenged ourselves to try something new every day

… we sought to live our lives in balance

… we did not fear asking for help when we need it

… we believed we could change the world

… we knew when to allow our boundaries to be permeable

… we listened to what our bodies had to say

… we embraced the crazy in all of us

… we stopped taking people for granted

… we loved others as they wished to be loved

… we were exceedingly gentle with ourselves

… we let ourselves believe in miracles

… we were always true to our word

… we took time to grieve, heal and rest

… we were honest with ourselves about our shortcomings and strengths

… we shared one another’s burdens

… we acted out of contemplation rather than compulsion

… we all felt safe enough to be brave

… we treated others as they would want to be treated

… we were honest with ourselves about our shortcomings

… we would face change not as loss but as gain

… we freed ourselves of unhealthy habits

… we regularly showed gratitude to those we love

… we learned to love ourselves fully

… we recognized the sacred within us

… we recognized the pain in each other’s eyes

… we helped put an end to generational trauma

… we engaged in courageous conversations where we honestly asked for what we need

… we took time to rest

… we welcomed looking at where we are not whole and free

… we smiled at everyone we met

… we accepted that everyone is on their own path

… we encouraged each other to live our dreams

… we saw barriers as surmountable

… we saw ourselves as one

… we prioritized our wellbeing

… we were brave enough to share our secrets

… we imagined living our best life, then lived it

… we honored the lived experiences of others

… we saw commandments as pleas

… we could stay open and curious

… we knew ourselves as the Divine knows us

… we were more altruistic

… we saw each person in our life as a blessing

… we embraced looking at ourselves critically while holding ourselves gently

… we were not afraid to be confused

… we freely admitted when we were wrong

… we saw what others see in us

… we all saw ourselves as creative

… we told others we were grateful for them

… we made space for others to tell their stories

… we dared greatly

… we saw every disagreement as an invitation into relationship

… we led with gratitude

… we were gentle with those we disagree with

… we stopped to savor all life has to offer

… we shared our blessings with everyone

… we reclaimed our voice

… we made friends with grief

… we looked at failure as learning

… we didn’t wait until funerals to connect with old friends

… we made space for “us”

… we made peace with ourselves

… we were honest about our self-delusions

… we said WTF more often

… we were honest about systemic injustices

… we knew when to retreat gracefully

… we turned the other cheek

… we gave thanks for all that is going right in our lives

… we recognized all the ways we make a difference in one anothers’ lives

… we took time to truly see and hear each other

… we took time to identify our center of gravity

… we learned to forgive ourselves

… we all saw ourselves as creative

… we helped build confidence in ourselves and others

… we saw everyone as beautiful

… we acknowledged systemic injustices

… we celebrated the small things

… we prioritized love over judgment

… we learned to love ourselves

… we were intentional about checking in with family and friends

… we committed to learn something new each day

… we loved each other through change

… we all switched to non-gendered pronouns

… we did not let go when we hugged

… we recognized how ignorant we were

… we took ten breaths before committing to anything

… we knew when to NOT save each other

… we laughed more

… we planted seeds and watered them

… we splashed in rain puddles more often

… we welcomed the risk it takes to be vulnerable

… we didn’t worry about getting it “right”

… we believed it would get better

… we opened our hearts, especially when we felt the need to close it

… we napped more often

… we took our priorities seriously

… we took care of the earth as if it were our home

… we paused to enjoy the sun on our face

… we paused to enjoy the rain on our face

… we treated the “other” as they would want to be treated

… we cared less about getting it “right”

… we acknowledged when we were sad… or angry... or…

… we saw Eve as the model for women and not as a warning

… we eliminated “masculine” and “feminine” from our vocabulary

… we celebrated the artist in all of us 

… we danced with abandon

… we paid our gifts forward

… we told our story with pride and humility

… we tried the food on the menu we were unsure of

… we welcomed detours

… we each found someone to mentor

… we treated ourselves to donuts

… we saw ourselves as courageous

… we planted seeds

… we allowed ourselves a sabbatical