Thursday, January 20, 2011

What If?


016janpost

Such a big question.

I saw this quote somewhere,
not so very long ago,
and I began to ponder...

What would I do?

I would travel.
Anywhere and everywhere,
with no fear and no boundaries.

I would sing out, loud and proud.
Little known fact, I am a singer.
Albeit, one who has a
fear
of singing in front of others.

I would learn how to fly an airplane.

I would love
fearlessly and without limits.

I would go back to school
to finish up a degree in journalism.

I would speak out more...
about those things I feel most passionately about,
without fear of judgment or reprisals.

I would dance with carefree abandon,
and worry not whether I was in step with the music
{ little known fact number two: i can't dance. not a step. }

I would....and this is for right now....slow down.
Enjoy this moment in time, and the journey.

And you?
What would you do....
if you knew you couldn't fail?


Happy Thursday

:-)


44 comments:

  1. I would open a little shop in our little town and fill it full of wonderful fabrics and yarns. Have a corner for tea and coffee and wonderful women in to teach us all something new every week. And I think some cushy furniture with a little book nook would be needed. We have next to nothing in this little town. I would drive all over the U. S. to meet all my new bloggy friends in person.

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  2. this is such an inspiring post mon amie.....really makes one look inward...to the very depths of themselves and...."think." Hmmmmmmmm....what would i do if i knew i couldn't fail?

    ~ i'd start a philanthropic organization and give to the world whatever was in my possession to offer it...
    ~ i'd try to get published...
    ~i'd open up my very own brick and mortar shop...
    ~i'd travel more...
    ~i'd let the world really "see" who i am...through and through without any fear of rejection or criticism....

    That's what i'd do. "Merci" for reaching in and brining out my innermost dreams. You have a gift my friend...a gift.

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  3. What a gorgeous set of thoughts, Anne!

    Like you - I would travel, soak up sights and cultures like a sponge and revel in everything new to me.

    I would write - I would write and write and refuse to be afraid of sending what I write off to every publish in this green and pleasant land.

    I would chase my other dream and set up my business - the business I've been dreaming of for 2 years and have been gradually stockpiling for yet still have a ways to go to get there.

    Would also move to be by the sea. It calms me in ways I cannot describe and I'd like to enjoy the slower pace of life in Cornwall.

    Love from across the pond! :-)

    Jem xXx

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  4. i think i would just keep doing what i do .. but then i would actually be making a living at doing it .. lol!

    i might reach out to others more ..

    i might take in more strays .. people ... and pets ..

    i might try to make someone who has given up continue on ..

    oh .. but mostly i think i would cure every disease known to man .. heal broken hearts and decide that the cure for every ailment was a wish .. just a wish ..

    i wish you happiness and health ..

    love ya'
    troy

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  5. such a beautiful post. wonderful. really lovely.

    I would: write that book I have always wanted to write, submit those poems I write in secret...I would learn to ski...snow and water ski. I would go back to school. I would...I would...DREAM!
    thanks for the thought provoking post my love!

    melody

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  6. I think I am doing what I would do - I think I would just get it done faster. I am planning on converting a barn into my own little shop. Of course someday I will travel to Europe and write a craft book.

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  7. I can't come up with anything... believe that? I guess I am moving slowly, enjoying THIS day, loving and visiting my family, cleaning, crafting and traveling:) I am retired and have been for almost 9 years which gives me the time to do all of these things! Perhaps I would learn to use my embroidery machine that I have had for over a year:) Hugs and thanks for getting me thinking!

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  8. Oh fun question! I'd find some beautiful acreage out in the country (but not too far from a great city) and have a farmhouse style house with an attached dormitory (by a long covered walkway) built. The dormitory would have several bedrooms, baths, and a mini-kitchen as well as a laundry room. Oh and also a huge studio/classroom. Both buildings would have a wrap-around porch that was 8 feet wide with ceiling fans, lots of comfy swings and chairs, and you'd get to the porches by lots of French doors. I'd have creative classes going all the time with scholarships for those who couldn't really afford to travel. And of course someone to clean both places so I could just have fun. Ah to dream!

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  9. There are so many things I would do. One big one would be: I'd be bolder about telling others about Jesus and how simple yet powerful his love for us is.

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  10. sell every single thing and do missionary work...traveling the world spreading the faith with my family

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  11. Hi Anne... I would love to hear you sing!... maybe you should make a recording and put it on your blog? I am sure you are fabulous!... I just go for it no matter what, and if I fail, I try again... here is a quote I love that was just on one of my planner pages... "Failure is the condiment that gives success it's flavor" ~Truman Capote xoxo Julie Marie

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  12. ah what a wonderful thing to think about.....happy thursday to you too! susan

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  13. Nothing...i am who i am....what you see is what you get !!! hahahahah!! i am one person......myself darling.....love you Ria...xxx...

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  14. I would start and then complete all those projects in my head♥♥♥

    We would adopt a child even though I am 48♥♥♥

    I would actually learn new technology instead of faking it♥♥♥

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  15. maybe open another store! lol

    xo,
    Adrienne

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  16. A great question to ponder Anne! I've heard this before andf often thought about it... I would travel- Australia, Sweden, Figi, Bali, all those wonderful beautiful places! put roots down and do some charity work for a while.
    I would sell everything ,find a place on the beach to live...then paint,photograph beautiful people, places and things, write and then put it all in a book!
    What a wonderful thought...hum....
    Have a great day Anne!
    Tammy :-)

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  17. Live my same life all over again...just start sooner.
    Debbie

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  18. You always know how to get us all using our brains! I would stop and smell the roses for more than a minute each day. I would camp every weekend in the Shenandoah valley. I would invent disposable clothing that still looked chic. I would paint morning, noon and night. I would love more than I ever had before. I would say all the things I never got to say. I would take the road less traveled. And dear Anne - I would make a plan to meet you in person! Have a happy week!

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  19. I feel the same way as Jennifer...where do I start. Of course I would travel, but I would be looking for the perfect place to put down roots. I would, of course, convince all of my family to follow me! And then I would find my creative side and pursue it with abandon!

    XO,
    Jane

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  20. If I knew I couldn't fail, I would try to win the lottery each week and have fun sharing it with everybody! Not that money can buy happiness, but hey you asked what I would do if I knew I couldn't fail! I love to sing too, but never in public so I can so relate to that one! And traveling to exotic places would be fun too. xo ~Lili

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  21. That's so funny I just read that quote yesterday and loved it.
    Boy this is a hard question but I would adopt a child.....though a bit old now!

    great post and so well written.
    xx
    C

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  22. Probably cure cancer or something but maybe just ride some really good reining horses.

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  23. You pose a wonderful question here. What would I do. I think I would open a lovely little shop...no wait, I would write a book....no, maybe a tea shop where friends would visit....you know I am not sure. I am glad you asked. To have a goal, you need a dream. To have a pupose, you need a dream. To make a difference, you need a dream. I have not spent enough time dreaming. I have lots of ideas floating around...but you need a dream, something to visualize. I am going to give this some serious thought. Thank you for asking this question, for now I realize what I am missing.... a dream.
    Deb

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  24. If I couldn't fail, I would try everything at least once. I would learn to speak my mind. I would learn not to care what others think of me. I would not let others squash my self confidence. I would be more outgoing.

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  25. I've always thought I would like to learn to fly an airplane. And write a book or two... but right now I'd settle for starting my journal/sketch book I have just sitting there waiting for me.
    Nice thought and love to read what other would do!

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  26. What a thought provoking question Anne! There are so many thoughts and answers popping into my head... I would buy several acres of land and open my own animal rescue and sanctuary; or I would own and operate a bed & breakfast inn; or maybe I would give away and sell my possessions and become a missionary. So many possibilities...

    ~ Tracy

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  27. Anne
    I just love when you post questions and things for us to search our souls about! I guess I have always thought about traveling and seeing the world without having to worry about all of my health issues. Great post girly

    xoxo
    Kate

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  28. Could this be a trick question?

    Without failure would we likely not know success?

    To learn to ride a bike without falling down and skinning a knee, still leads a life of knowing the pleasure of riding a bike. Having a skinned knee we know that there is pain that comes into our lives and we learn how to conquer it, to go beyond failing.

    Can’t decide to paint the dresser or not? What if you fail in your decision? Indeed, we will make it right again. There are no promises in life. Failure lives with us, it is our strength that brings us out of the darkness of failure to live a better life.

    I am way too old. What a challenging comment I have posted. Way too philosophical! Maybe tomorrow will be a better day ? ? ?

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  29. Dear sweet Anne ~ it was amazing to hear these sweet dreams coming from all of these beautiful souls! ♥ Your questions always evoke such deep thought, making us reach into our innermost emotions, and allowing us to share them with each other. :) No fear of being judged, no fear of retribution. Just complete and honest feelings. Thank you for being who you are, friend. :)

    xoxo laurie

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  30. Oh Anne, this list is pretty long. But I'd probably do something crazy like move to Nashville to sing country music.

    Really.

    Now you got me thinkin'
    Angela,
    ParisienneFarmgirl.com

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  31. I would sing! I would sing loud! I would have the voice of an angel! I would sing praise songs loud enough for everyone around me to hear. I would probably be abnoxious because I would be so happy to have a beautiful voice. I would also speak in front of thousands about all of the things that I am passionate about. Everyone would listen!

    What a fun thing to think about. Thanks, my friend, for asking the question.

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  32. You know, Anne, I can think of a million things I would do if money wasn't an issue. Or if I had more hours in the day. Or if I'd chosen a different road 20 years ago.

    But the fear of failure? It isn't holding me back one stinkin' bit. And when opportunity knocks, I answer!

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  33. This made me think. I have moved countries (and continents) in pursuit of my dreams. I have always lived in faith and belief and the certainty that I would be looked after, maybe not the way that I thought but I always have enough for what I need.
    I guess my next 'dream' is to open another shop, and maybe in a few years (when I am not so tired) to move countries again.

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  34. Great post to ponder. I read all the answers and comments. I don't fear failure but do agree with some readers that it is probably the finances and need to be practical that keeps me from changing jobs and pursuing a living doing what I'm passionate about instead of what makes me a good living! So, maybe I fear not being able to provide for my family and that keeps me from being a full time blogger, artist, teacher, writer etc. So much more fun!

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  35. Hmmm...

    I start typing a thought and erase it. I think I am pretty happy with who I am and what I have achieved!

    However I guess I would like to travel and show my kids more of this great big world!!

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  36. Well, this gets me thinking. The possibilities are endless, if no failure allowed. I should dive into some of those possibilities, I guess :)
    You always touch my heart :)
    Blessings
    Becky C

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  37. That's a big question, What if? Something to ponder, thanks for the prompt. Have a bliss filled weekend!

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  38. I would join the Peace Corp.

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  39. What if...oh the list would be endless. So many things to do and see!
    Have a fun-filled weekend Anne!
    xo Cathy

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  40. I would lose all the weight I HAVE to lose in a year or under, and it would be easy.
    I would travel throughout the US then go to Italy
    I would open a business similar to yours (buy estate sales and sell what i didn't want for myself etc.)

    Run again, even if just a short little bit, just to show my knees and spine they haven't totally beaten me.

    I would have this house completely finished and sold!

    There is a few others, but that is it for now. :)

    come visit, i have something for you
    Susan

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  41. You know.. I think I am going to buy that book because chances are I won't win your giveaway.. ha ha.. so many people. :) Oh yes the dreaded silvery ball thang.. I dislike that, too. I've been wondering if I can escape that somehow with using my tripod - but then.. how to adjust that so it doesn't get reflected.. Hmm, what would I do if I couldn't fail? I am terribly shy at times.. so I guess reach out more to others. Love Maria's new shop site, too! Thank you for your sweet comment you left me! :)
    xo Lara

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  42. Anne, there are so
    many things. Great
    post to reflect on,
    and I will. Loved
    learning more about
    you and your sweet
    spirit. I hope you
    dance and sing your
    heart out when you
    are at home ~ such
    a joyful thing to do!
    xx Suzanne

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