Why or why not?

Why?

I find myself asking that question a lot these days, as things are hard, and I’m worried about people I love, and concerned about the future.

Why this? Why me? Why now?

But there are moments when I rise above the chaos, confusion and uncertainty. And in those moments, I ask myself a different question:

Instead of "Why?"

"Why not?"

If I have the strength to lift the weight off someone else’s shoulders, I ask myself – why not?

If I have the patience to pause and think before I speak – why not?

If I have the opportunity to use my talents to help others cultivate their own – why not?

If I have the chance to use my voice to help others be heard, if I have time in my day to make someone else’s day more joyful, if I have the capacity to show more compassion – why not?

If I have the humility to ask for help so I can feel more fulfilled and perhaps show others that it’s okay to ask for help, too – why not?

If I have the means to help others live more meaningful lives – why not?

If I have the stamina to stand up for those who need more people standing up for them, if I have the self-confidence to admit when I’m wrong and to acknowledge that someone else is right, if I have the maturity to say that even at my age there is so much that I don’t know but am willing to learn – why not?

If I have the heart to teach my children that kindness, compassion and empathy are measures of success, too – why not?

In this time of chaos, confusion and uncertainty, why not join me in asking yourselves this same question, too?

Why not?