just another blog pressed for words

from the New Yorker, Jan. 25th, 2010

So many times I hear the words: “What are the chances of this happening?” And I think to myself: “Well, zero, if that’s the way you want to look at it.”

What could be more devastating to a person’s ambitions or dreams if the first thought is “I doubt it” or “That could never happen to me”?

In a world that is up for grabs, so to speak, it seems that anything is possible, but so many of us lead our lives thinking this isn’t the case for us. Too many times these types of thoughts and words limit our success, yet we continue to allow them.

These days, it’s almost impossible to display optimism and a belief in yourself without being called an egomaniac. We are constantly qualifying our statements with the negative response to a positive idea. Do we do this because we fear failure, or because we ultimately fear success?

Personally, I tend to err on the side of being way too positive and optimistic. So much so that people sometimes see me as naïve and unrealistic. Certainly I’ve been called a dreamer! And sometimes it does make you pause when you see that “Are you serious?” expression creep across someone’s face, just as you are pontificating about the possibilities and opportunities you see in front of you.

It’s a wonder that anyone achieves any of their dreams. Even as the president of the United States gave his State of the Union address last night, I saw him plead with our country and its leaders not to create excuses for doing nothing.

What fun is life’s adventure if you already know the journey? Do you want to know the ending to a movie before you watch it?

I’m convinced that if we see a positive outcome in front of us – visualize it with all our might – we will succeed.

Peace.