The Power of the Possible

You were born with potential, With goodness and trust, Ideals and dreams, With greatness, With wings, Not meant for crawling, so don’t, You were born with wings, Learn to use them and fly. ~Rumi

Many years ago, Judy and I embarked on a drive to Maine to explore some previously unseen areas. For me, the most captivating segment of the journey occurred on the day we ascended Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park.

Early that morning, before we began our ascent, Judy and I strolled along the boardwalk. Bar Harbour and its surroundings were enveloped in thick fog, lending the entire town a surreal aura. Ghostly ships materialized and vanished in the harbour, carried by the gentle breeze that shifted the fog's cloak. It was reminiscent of a scene from a Stephen King novel; the fog was so dense that we could hear voices in the wind, their origin obscured until suddenly, people were upon us. Despite the thickness of the fog, a bright promise of a beautiful, hot day shone through.

As we ventured upward toward the mountain, the fog gradually dissipated, revealing cottony rolls of clouds below. Emerging from the shroud were the highest points of the islands in the harbour. The hotter the day grew, the faster the fog evaporated, unveiling a breathtaking sight.

Sitting atop the mountain, contemplating the scenery, my thoughts repeatedly turned to the symbolism of those islands in the fog. What we witnessed rising from their concealment was a glimpse of what lay beneath. All it required to integrate into the overall landscape was the warmth of the sun (faith) and the gentle breeze (change) to disperse the fog.

I believe people are akin to those little islands. Often submerged in worry or overwhelmed by workloads, it may seem as though they'll never see the light of day. Yet, with faith in their abilities and a willingness to adapt, they can almost always overcome their challenges and embrace a sense of "anything is possible."

In my office, I have numerous accounts of individuals, both renowned and obscure, who have surmounted their obstacles to achieve success or happiness, refusing to accept the word "impossible."

Take Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, born in a village near Umtata in the Transkei, South Africa, on July 18, 1918. Despite enduring years of unrest and resistance to apartheid, Mandela was sentenced to life imprisonment and confined to the notorious Robben Island Prison. Upon his release on February 11, 1990, Mandela immersed himself in his life's work, determined to achieve the goals set almost four decades earlier. In 1991, at the first national conference of the ANC held inside South Africa after decades of being banned, Mandela was elected President of the ANC. Mandela believed in the realm of possibilities and adapted his ideals accordingly. Clearly, "impossible" was not part of his vocabulary, and he refused to be swayed by the prejudices of others.

Then there's E.B., a petite woman epitomizing survival. At the tender age of 10, she and her two brothers were left orphaned, forced to fend for themselves. This story becomes even more remarkable when you learn that her oldest brother was only 15 at the time. Despite naysayers claiming they couldn't make it, they persevered, and today, E.B. is a successful mother and parent herself. Living under the cover of "fog" for many years, she realized her future was entirely in her hands. "Impossible" wasn't a notion she entertained, and so she not only survived but thrived.

The "Power of The Possible" resides within each of us. However, oftentimes, we are blind to it. While we may sense its presence and experience flashes of inspiration, it often dissipates as quickly as it emerges. Whether due to our own doubts or those of others, we relinquish our dreams and goals, conforming to what we believe others expect of us. We heed the words of those who have succumbed to "impossible," choosing to become mere "tips of the island" emerging from the mist.

This week, remember you needn't remain this way. You can be authentic! You can become who you truly aspire to be. Dare to embrace your authentic self fully. The Power of The Possible entails maintaining a positive mindset, resisting ridicule, and focusing on possibilities rather than impossibilities. As George Bernard Shaw said, "You see things as they are and say, why? While I dream things that never were and say, Why not?" So, the next time you confront the fog of doubt and ridicule, recall Shaw's words and concentrate on the vast reservoir of possibilities within you. By doing so, you will cultivate a sense of boundless potential!

Make an impact this week!

Paul

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