WHY NOT?

Often we don't even allow ourselves to dream about (much less, take action on) all the amazing opportunities waiting out there for the taking.  Instead we often write off an opportunity as too hard/not right/not for us and don't even toss our hats in the ring.  What I'm saying is why not just push yourself to try?  Go for that scary job interview that you feel you might not totally be qualified for!  Audition for the TV series!  Try out for the elite team! Ask that hottie out!  The list could go on and on... Why not?  Often people think they will fail or look foolish trying for something beyond them or they fear the rejection, so first we need to get over these factors.  Looking foolish can be fun if you look at it in the right way - don't take yourself so seriously - life should be fun! Also, failing at something means you tried something new or hard which is the only thing that will really make you grow as a person.  I heard about a brilliant parent who congratulated his children every time they failed at something... they'd get high fives for not being elected class president and cake for when they didn't make the soccer team.  They were learning to celebrate all your trials in life - to keep on trying and putting yourself out there so you can learn and grow!  Rejection can be hard, but again we need to learn how to not take too personally and to laugh a bit at it!  

This week, I auditioned for something that I thought I would be perfect for in my heart, but objectively I could definitely see why they might want to cast someone else...  I could've let that keep me from trying out... they probably want someone younger/more fit/etc. but I always think WHY NOT???  My son plays A level rep hockey and is going to a few AA (a level above his) tryouts this week.  Not because we think he's ready for AA yet, but WHY NOT?  He gets some serious ice-time, gets try-out practise (before his actual try-outs next week), gets seen by different coaches, and gets inspired.  I was also super-surprised by the range of levels at the higher level try-outs, a lot of the kids are not even as skilled as the team he plays on currently.  Which goes to show, most people are just scared to try-out for these teams because of what they think the level is. Many adults give up on playing sports, swimming, skating, riding a bicycle if they don't know how as a grown up - I was not at all into sports as a child, but last year I strapped on some skates and gear and joined an ice-hockey league!  Was it scary? YES!  Did I think people might laugh at me? YES! (definitely my son & husband did outwardly watching one of my first games) But, did it stop me? NO!  And now I can (sort of) play hockey and it's so fun!  As for relationships and asking people out - just do it!  When I was younger, I used to have so many secret crushes - such a waste!  Nowadays I just want to tell everyone to tell everyone what they're feeling... nobody is a mind reader so get it out there and see what comes of it - it saves lots of time and energy and might create a beautiful relationship!

You can be the best at something, but if you don't take chances and put your talent out into the world, you will always find yourself asking 'why not me?'... ask yourself WHY NOT? from now on, take that chance and grow!