“What If?” and “Why Not?”: Embracing the Potential of Inquiry

Opening ourselves to a world brimming with possibility

Why not take the step? Photo by Bruno Nascimento on Unsplash

In the vast expanse of human curiosity lies a profound tool for exploration and growth: the simple yet profound question, “What if?” Embedded within those two words is the essence of possibility, the ignition of imagination, and the catalyst for change. It’s a question that beckons us to venture beyond the confines of the known, to challenge the status quo, and to dare to dream of alternatives yet unexplored.

Daniel Ng, in his poignant reflection on a discussion on embracing change offers a stirring testament to the potency of this question. Amidst the backdrop of hospital corridors and rehabilitation facilities, as he supports his wife, he encounters individuals grappling with the weight of regret. Their lamentations often echo with the refrain of “What if?” — a poignant reminder of the roads untaken, the risks not embraced, and the opportunities forsaken in the pursuit of comfort and familiarity.

The “What if?” question serves as a mirror, reflecting the contours of our own lives and choices.

It invites us to confront the reality of regret and to reckon with the boundaries we erect around our aspirations and ambitions.