What about the Gift of Maybe? The author Allison Carmen tells me about the magic that using the word, “maybe” can have on easing and changing challenges in your life.
One day, while still experiencing her anxiety about the future, she went to her Qigong teacher for a lesson. She related to him of her woes and anxiety. He responded with this simple story which dramatically changed everything.
His story went like this.
One day, a farmer’s horse ran away. His neighbor came by and said, “You have the worst luck.” The farmer replied to the neighbor, “Maybe.” The next day, the horse returned with five mares, and the neighbor came by and said, “You have the best luck.” The farmer replied, “Maybe.” The day after that the farmer’s son was riding the horse and fell off and broke his leg, and the neighbor came by and said to the farmer, “You have the worst luck.” The farmer replied, “Maybe.” The next day, the army came looking to draft the boy for combat but he could not go because his leg was broken. The neighbor came by and said. “You have the best luck.” Again the farmer said. “Maybe.”
Sharing with my audience of the magic this word has had in her life—personally and professional—opens so many possibilities of excitement. Allison helps clients move through the uncertainty of today’s life, failed businesses, failed marriages, challenges in the world. Her message is this: In the face of uncertainty, Maybe it opens your mind and heart. It creates a little space for hope. It allows you to take a deep breath, stay in the present, and forge your own path.
Her book suggests exercises you can use to implement this practice of the Maybe in your life today. You can find out more at http://allisoncarmen.com or go to http://www.amazon.com to buy her book.