Embracing the Magic of Maybe? and Why Not? - A Journey of Hope and Possibility

Sometimes, it feels like life offers us exactly what we need, precisely when we need it most. Just 10 days ago, I wandered into a charming little store in Old Tomball, looking for something special for some of my friends' children and my students. But what I found, or rather, what found me, was something magical: "Why Not?" and "Maybe?" two uplifting books by Kobi Yamada illustrated by Gabriella Barouch, nestled between a little fox and piglet.

The books opened a portal to a world filled with soothing, inspiring words, delicate, enchanting imagery, and a profound sense of connection that resonated deeply within me. As I read them, I felt as though I was being reminded of something I already knew.

The Power of Words and imagery

These words and illustrations have a unique way of speaking to us on a profound level of love, courage, and care, inviting us to see ourselves as we truly are.

?Maybe you are here to shine a light in places that have been dark for too long?

? "Maybe you are here to help in ways that only you can?

?Maybe you will speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves?" - Kobi Yamada ?

These words resonated deeply with the essence of my work. In the face of adversity, the message was clear: there is hope.

Finding Strength in the Unexpected

A few days after my beautiful discovery, something tragic occurred. One of our dear students, just 8 years old, unexpectedly passed away. The weight of such a loss could have easily been overwhelming, and it was to some extent. Yet, I found strength and solace in Yamada’s words, my Positive Intelligence practices, and the caring, supportive community my team and I have built for children who have so little. Together, our team decided to create a safe space where our student’s classmates and siblings could express their pain and emotions and receive love in return. During the time we spent together, our compassionate community, both young and old, crafted origami butterflies, each adorned with heartfelt messages of love and support for the entire grieving family.

?? "Things won’t always go according to plan. The way might be difficult. You may get worn and tired. You may feel lost, you might want to turn back."

?? "Have faith. Keep going. You can be the difference. You are made of sunrises and second chances. You are the hope of a brand-new day." - Kobi Yamada

Amidst the pain and profound injustice of what has just occurred, Yamada's words reminded me that there is always hope. Even in the darkest moments, we have the power to shine light and love where they are needed most.

A Seed of Hope in Us All

As I often share with my learning communities, each of us carries a unique calling and a seed of hope within. It may take someone or something to help us recognize that seed and calling, but once we do, life flows with pure joy and love. This is the gift we can all offer in our own way, through our personal stories and experiences.

Kobi Yamada's words remind us of the beauty of this journey.

The books found me, and now they are finding many more as I share them with others in my community. I believe we need this magic of Maybe? and Why Not? in our lives and we need the magic of us more than ever. The world is in need of light, love, courage, peace and hope, and who better to offer it than us?

?Let us Be the Light

It is vital that we continue to embrace that magic, trust that each of us is here for a reason and believe in the beauty of what we can bring to the world, even more during challenging times.

So, let’s explore. Let’s explore ways we can all be the light, love, and hope we wish to see in the world, with a little bit of magic in our hearts. Today, I invite you to reflect on your unique light, how will you shine it brighter? What one small step can you take to bring hope to yourself, your loved ones, or your community? Share your journey, and let’s inspire one another to make this world brighter, one act of kindness and hope at a time.

?? “One thing is for sure, you are here, and because you are here, anything is possible.” - Kobi Yamada

With love, Karine

PS: I encourage you to gift yourself these books. As adults, we also need gentle reminders of hope, possibility, and the magic within us that we sometimes forget along the way.

About Karine Parker

Karine is a collaborative practices and well-being coach who integrates mindfulness, neuroscience, positive intelligence, and the arts to empower children, individuals, teams, and communities to unlock their potential, navigate challenges, and build supportive, caring environments. As the CEO and founder of Be Peace - Be Hope, she is dedicated to fostering sustainable well-being, adaptability, peace, hope, and thriving relationships, with a special focus on underserved communities and schools.