Why not?

There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why. I dream of things that never were, and ask why not? 

- Robert Kennedy 

Why not?

Whenever my friends share how they wish they were doing something else with their lives, instead of being stuck in whatever job, career or study they're in, I always ask, "Why not? What's stopping you?" The answers would always be the same - Money (how will the bills get paid? After I save enough. I can't afford to pursue my dreams.), Family (You should think of a stable career that pays well and get all this nonsense out of your head), Life is busy (I have no time. Maybe I'll try, later.) Fear/ Insecurity (I'm not sure I can do this. I'm not talented enough. There are people out there who are way more talented.) There are many naysayers out there who will tell us that it's not possible. That it's unrealistic. That it's not 'safe'. That it's impossible.

Perhaps, the reason we do not take the leap is because we are scared. We are afraid of the unknown. We do not know what is in store, or if we will succeed. We are afraid that we will fail, and we will have to listen to the "I told you so-s", or "You should have listened to me. You'll never make it."

We all want to be safe. We want to be comfortable. We like to be content in knowing when and where our next paycheck will be in the bank, and that we have enough to live on and pay the bills. Why do we let money dictate our lives? Why do we sacrifice our dreams and passions for it? Who says that we can't make a living doing what we love? Probably the reason we don't pursue what we want is because we keep telling ourselves that we can't. We keep making excuses.

I'm realizing that I keep asking my friends that. "Why not? Why can't you?"

I've never been good at taking my own advice. But for the past week, I've been asking myself, "Why not, Ellie? Why can't you?"

There's nothing for me to lose, and everything to gain. Even if I fail, at least I can be proud of myself that I've tried my best. There will never be a perfect time to do it. Perhaps, I may be wrong. But in trying, I will not have any regrets. Nor will I one day look back on my youth and wonder- What if I did that when I was younger?

I'm going to take the plunge. One day at a time. Countdown, 1 week.

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard

Impossible is not a word

It’s just a reason for someone not to try

Everybody’s scared to death

When they decide to take that step

Out on the water

It’ll be alright

Life is so much more

Than what your eyes are seeing

You will find your way

If you keep believing

-What Faith Can Do, Kutless