What if we took as much time to grow up as we took to grow old? That, as children, we would be encouraged to be children, with clean faces and pony tails and hide-and-seek and keds, instead of being seduced way too soon by the provocative (and often misleading) promises of adulthood.
What if we learned to live our lives whole, leaving no part out? That we valued our setbacks and failures as much as we valued our triumphs, and realized that we hold within us the power to create an even better future by bringing forward everything that we learned and experienced in our past. That it is our whole story that makes us interesting and authentic, not just the carefully edited highlights. That we could just be ourselves, in every moment of every day, and regret nothing.
What if we learned to see in each other art and possibility instead of rank and commerce? That we would separate the substance (who we are) from the window-dressing (what we do and what we have) and stand before each other — equal, naked, vulnerable, exposed — with only the feelings in our hearts and the ideas in our heads to bring us together. That we would make room for each other, creating a world where each individual is visible and valued for who they uniquely are. That we should each feel a deep sense of belonging to this world, and to each other.
What if we learned to stand still? That we valued the journey as much as we valued the prize. That we learned to hold this one moment — step inside of it, even — and honor it above the one that comes before and the one that comes after. That we allowed it to stretch and grow and carry us with it wherever it goes.
What if we all got quiet? That we stopped speaking to be heard, and spoke only when we had something meaningful to say.
What if we valued the possibility as much as we valued knowing?
What (kind of world would it be) if?
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