Opportunities string before us in a fashion we often don’t
recognize, seized by our own fears.
Self-doubt can keep our feet planted where they’ve been too long
already. Dust settles on the tables that
used to adorn freshly cut flowers and the latest hottest novels. We judge unknowingly – calling it “being
careful,” or “following the rules.” If
an opportunity doesn’t match up to our expectations, perhaps it is our
expectations that need adjusting. Far
too often we let memorable moments pass us by, saying it isn’t what we’re
looking for. Who’s to say where and in
who those answers are for us unless we are willing to walk up to opportunity
and welcome whatever surprise it hands us.
Shut the door on opportunity and it will only go elsewhere -
to someone willing to leave the door open.
Start closing windows around you and you’ll quite simply find yourself
sitting alone amongst the dust-covered tables with all the windows closed.
When opportunity strikes, simply embrace it and take what it
offers. What may feel like a mistake
oftentimes becomes the gift of learning, at the very least – a good story. We can never have too many good stories. The best stories are those told from seized
opportunities that felt like failure at the moment, but later surprised us as
something was revealed about ourselves – causing us to be humbled, or perhaps
allowing us to laugh at our own stumbling.
Opportunities will come and go our whole lives, but they
seldom return for a second showing.
Don’t take the chance of someone else loving the one your heart pounds
for, or someone else getting that job, or your business idea becoming someone else’s
achievement. Going for it is life-changing in so many ways, and
whether you stumble, or fall, or soar – you will never be the same again. Life takes on a flavor that sparkles when we step
into the unknown to stay awhile.
I have a dear friend who is clumsy beyond words. Coffee stains used to trail from his work
desk to mine in a somewhat endearing fashion.
I recently learned that this 51 year old, forever - single man had taken
the chance on a woman that he wasn’t too sure he’d be proud to bring home. He took an opportunity that was presented to
him with great uncertainty, kept the door open to possibility, and it became the one most life-changing
experience of his life . Turmoil ensued
as he tried to figure out the perfect way to ask her to be his wife. The perfect way presented itself to him as he
entered the room she was in, and quite simply asked her to marry him. Upon saying yes, he stepped forward –
shoelace catching beneath the door – and fell quite literally flat on his
face. I’m not sure, but I suspect he
most likely had coffee in his hand at this monumental moment. It could not have been more perfect. I have no doubt it is why she loves him. Opportunity was seized.
Life doesn’t always make sense at the moment, but the moment
is all we have right now. The moment is
where life is happening. The quiet
nudging of our inner spirits to try, to take the time, to get up and stop wondering
what if … opportunities sail when they aren’t
anchored. With the passing of time and
the changing of hearts, they can be gone forever. The ship of opportunity does sail on.
A great life is
created by the efforts we give. Abundant
living is filled with grief and sorrow today; promise, hope, and great joy
tomorrow. Going for it and things not
turning out as hoped is just a part of the growing and the flowing, but it
all leads to an exhilarating life. We
are meant to be creative in this life – whether it be cooking or planting,
painting or singing – and to have a beautiful and creative soul it needs to be nurtured with
good kind people and freshly ground coffee, (or good stories and the opening of
hearts to listen to each other’s sorrows and sailings, challenges and pursuits,
triumphs and successes.) We are meant to
create. Create a beautiful home even if all it means is a single flower placed
in a container on a table. If that’s all
you have, that’s enough. The mixing of
spices for varied tastes beautifies our sense and appreciation for good food. Creating babies, ideas, romances is what
creates a beautiful spirit. In turn we
are hopefully eager to create beautiful communities with generous souls.
Someone once said, It is not humble to play small. It is a loss to ourselves and others. There will be, is, a space where each of us is to be. It is an empty side of the bed that is yours to fill. It is an invention that is swirling in your thoughts; an invention that will allow suffering communities to heal and thrive. It is a work of art that you have yet to complete that will change how someone sees the world, the meaning of their live, their own contribution. That idea, that hope, that love stirring in your heart, and the return of love and sense of purpose you hope for...it is not random or meaningless. It is yours for a reason. Answer the question, 'what if' not in the rear view mirror, but facing forward with curiosity each day. What if...live in the beautiful, creative mess of the answer.
jt
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