The concept of ‘why vs why not’ essentially is a tug-of-war within one’s mind-set, a debate where the participants consist of ‘reality vs emotion’. Some people challenge themselves with the question independently while others need an audience, but whatever the outcome, the debate of ‘why vs why not’ will affect someone personally.
Here I will breakdown my thought process between the power of the ‘why’ and the greatness of the ‘why not’.
‘Why’ means risk, am I right?
‘Why’ is the automatic deduction of the mind’s assessment when weighing up worth, commitment and time?
We ask ourselves:
“Is that risk viable”?
and
“How does it contribute (benefit or hinder) my present situation?”
‘Why’ is analytical. It is reality. It is science. It consists of facts.
‘Why’ is safe. ‘Why’ is protected. ‘Why’ doesn’t like change.
When ‘why not’ is added to the mix it is seen as reckless, foolhardy and rebellious. It has no limitations and no rules. ‘Why not’ is like the flippant younger sister to the more mature older sibling. It is as much exhilarating as it is daunting, yet at the same time it means opportunities, new experiences and adventure.
‘Why not’ is the adrenaline rush to ‘why’s’ stoicism.
‘Why not’ is the fun camp while all the ‘party-poopers’ are sitting back in the smoking lounge reminiscing on tales of woe.
John F Kennedy famously stated “Don’t ask ‘why’, ask instead ‘why not’?”
As one of the most famous thought and political leaders of his time he was elected the role by the people, to make strategic plans to move the United States forward. (Don’t ask me if he did a good job. because frankly I wasn’t born yet!) When we stay too long in ‘why’ we become stale, old and unimaginative. Similarly, in Australia, as a democratic nation, we expect our government to be leaders within the ‘why not’ realm… we want truth to support that notion that we are indeed “a land of possibilities”.
On the flip side, many of us have questioned so intently the ‘why’ that it seems so very difficult to move to the ‘why not’. I know personally that I have asked this question numerous times of myself, when I have faced many dark moments within my own health. Trauma, tragedy and grief can hold us captive to the ‘why’ where we seek answers to the questions that will provide stepping-stones to enable our soul to move forward. To stay in a place of ‘why’ too long limits us seeing what is directly in front of us.
Yet this token ‘why’ questioning can also be a positive driver to finding the clarity and direction of your life’s purpose. This is the emotive and all-powerful ‘why’ – the ‘why’ we spend our whole lives seeking in order to live fulfilled and nourished lives.
Be clear on how the ‘why’ supports you in this present moment.
While these two spectrums often bear opposing outcomes, they often cannot live long without the other. Hand-in-hand they walk through life together but it is us, the emotive human beings that we are, that can choose between a life with analytical road blocks and debate, or one filled with hope, optimism and positivity. Use the ‘why vs why not’ with love, kindness, respect, and an open and willing heart because remember there is every reason why you deserve the ‘why not’!
As the saying goes… “the world is your oyster”, and it sure is!
With love, light and bundles of gratitude, Kathy xx
Photos credit: Andrew Neel, Unsplash
