During my 20+ years, the word 'why' had been nothing more than a response for nouns, sometimes proper, that wanted me to do something for them. It didn't matter if the purpose was for my benefit or not; 'why' was the act of no. When I said why, it was just the nice way to protest with out looking like a rebel.
Not long ago, I was invited to supplement my income with a stay-at-home, work as you please business venture. Being a mother of two, with two jobs, and too many bills my old friend 'why' was nowhere to be found. I thought things were looking up!
As I began putting together my business plan, sales projections and life goals, I found myself stuck. Why? I couldn't figure out how this was going to fit in my schedule or when. I didn't know what risks were involved, nor did I know who this business was really benefiting. Well after a few days of who, what, when and how, I felt 'why' peaking around the corner. I hadn't even looked up, and there 'why' was, tempting me to indulge in its meaning.
As I began putting together my business plan, sales projections and life goals, I found myself stuck. Why? I couldn't figure out how this was going to fit in my schedule or when. I didn't know what risks were involved, nor did I know who this business was really benefiting. Well after a few days of who, what, when and how, I felt 'why' peaking around the corner. I hadn't even looked up, and there 'why' was, tempting me to indulge in its meaning.
As much as I tried to avoid 'why', I couldn't. My initial approach to the familiar word was anger. I was enraged that this business might not work. I was discouraged at the fact that I had to admit I was inadequate. Me, inadequate, all because of a stinking 'why'.
The turn around came when I faced my fears and asked, what my 'why' was. "What was my why?" Well, my why was the main purpose for starting this venture. Bingo! My why was more time with my kids and family, a source of income that would not define me as a workaholic and the financial benefits from advocacy; that was 'why'.
In the beginning, I didn't see 'why'. In fact, I purposely put 'why' in the back of my mind. I knew 'why' as the rebellious, pessimistic action of no. And I did not want to say no to this opportunity. Then, once I resolved my negative connotations with 'why', I saw the possibilities of why.
When I look ahead at this new calendar year, all I see is why. Things I want to accomplish, experiences I want to have and time that can never be regained are my 'why'. I have now come to know why as the ambitious way to support while looking like a rebel.
What is your 'why'? I encourage you to ask yourself.
