Why Not?

When a child is young, and is told that they can’t do something, there is one question they invariably ask, “Why not”. They do not simply accept no as an answer, they demand that there be a reason when they hear that dreaded word, and we should all follow in their tiny footsteps. Whether it regards the chasing of our dreams, challenging one’s present situation, or the feeling that one shouldn’t make a move, why not is the question that demands an answer.

For kids, that reason is often punishment because they won’t understand reason. It’s not as if they actually can’t do that which they desire, but that there will be consequences that they really don't want if they heedlessly follow their desires. Regarding those of us who are older and can understand logic, our situation is often very similar. We could do that which we desire but the fear of possible pain constrains us.

In some cases, this fear is incredibly useful, especially regarding the law, breaches in morality, and those inexplicable desires to throw ourselves from the tops of buildings. Other times, the fear is exaggerated, and the object there of made to be far greater than it really is. One should realize what it is they fear before responding to the feeling.

The fear and avoidance of possible pain is incredibly reasonable and human. Likely outcomes and consequences ought to be considered, and the positives weighed against the negatives. This weighing of the effects on the future is where fear plays a dirty game. Until it is defined, it is nebulous, daunting, seemingly unassailable, and makes action seem futile. Demanding that the fear show it self for what it truly is one step towards making a wise decision.

Consequences that we fear must be put in their place because in them are the answers to our question, why not. All the terrible scenarios which quickly pop to mind regardless of how unlikely their occurrence is are not good answers. Neither are actual frightening possibilities domesticated to the point that they seem as harmless as a sleeping housecat. Reality is often found in the middle ground, where fear is very real but entirely manageable and measurable. Measure, measure and compare, that is how a person ought to go about making a decision, by having the positives and negatives engage in battle and then either going off with or running away from the winner.

Chasing dreams, going on spontaneous adventures, and fully expressing one’s self are all things that can be facilitated by asking one simple question and refusing to allow undefined fear to control one’s actions. In order to say yes to anything in this life, one must say no to something else. Let that sink in, in saying yes to the mediocre, one says no to the magnificent. By not taking a chance and going for what ever it is that one desires, they make their chances of getting it 0.

That doesn’t mean fling yourself around and chase everything that comes your way. Consequences are real and mistakes can cause pain so choices must still be made wisely. But, one must keep in mind that nothing ever gets better without changing.

Meeting ones fears in broad daylight enables the individual to escape the paralysis caused by the terrible phantoms of the unknown that occupy the mirk of our imaginations. So, whenever you see yourself shrinking back from something that seems worth while, search for the answer to one little question, Why Not.