What's the _________ That Could Happen?

 Out of curiosity, what word would you place in that blank space?  I will admit that for me, worst is the word that automatically comes to mind.  No hesitation or second thought, I automatically lean towards problem-solving around worst-case scenarios.  Who's with me on this?

Speaking from the I, this practice has come from a place of trying to protect or prepare myself from being hurt or blindsided.  A long time ago I seem to have made a choice that I would rather think and focus on all that could go wrong instead of all that could go right.  If I figured out all of the hurtful or negative outcomes and determined a course of action or reaction to those, I was building in down-side emotional protection.  And sure, this does have some merit if your goal in life is to always be prepared to handle negative outcomes.  But what ripple effect does focusing on the negative actually have?

I feel like my practice of focusing on negative outcomes has potentially eroded some of the joy and wonder that comes with stepping outside of a comfort zone.  There is something to be said for those butterflies of nervous excitement that come with trying something new, or stretching yourself.  And sure there is also potentially some nausea that comes with the vulnerability of actually putting yourself out there, but how can we ever really grow if we never try on a new pair of wings?  

I was recently introduced to the idea of focusing on the positive is like turning on a light, and I love that imagery.  Especially as we move into the darker time of the year when things are slowing down and feel a bit dark and cold.  Imagine if we started to focus on positive outcomes and potential instead of doubling down on the darker side of things.  I feel like this would bring back a bit of a spring in our steps, maybe even encourage us to walk with our heads up and shoulders down, if even for a moment or two here and there.  

There is another phrase that I feel really ties into this - intention goes where energy flows.  Back to turning on our lights and focusing our energy towards those scary positive outcomes and setting a course towards an upward spiral, even if our natural instinct is the exact opposite.  Let's bring back wonder and awe and allow our dreams to have happy endings and be centred on best case scenarios for a change. 


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