What If to Why Not
Have you ever paused and asked yourself, what unlived life is still in me? Recently, I attended a workshop led by the inspiring Sonia Choquette, where this very question was posed. It was like a mirror reflecting back dreams I had shelved, passions I had silenced, and parts of myself that had been tucked away for “someday.”
In that moment, I felt an awakening. Sonia encouraged us to examine the parts of our lives we didn’t pursue, the dreams that still quietly yearn to take shape. Her words were a call to action: Don’t just let life happen to you; create the life that’s waiting to be lived within you.
The unlived life is the part of you that whispers, What if? It’s the dream you let go of because you didn’t think you had the time, the talent, or the courage. It’s the calling you ignored because fear shouted louder than curiosity. Maybe it’s the novel you’ve always wanted to write, the dance class you never signed up for, or the career path you left unexplored.
This workshop reminded me that the unlived life isn’t gone; it’s just waiting for you to rediscover it. These desires and yearnings don’t leave us; they linger, waiting for us to say, Yes, I’m ready.
How do we begin to uncover the life that’s yearning to live within us? Here are a few steps to help you tune into what’s still calling you:
Create Stillness: It’s hard to hear the whispers of your soul in the noise of daily life. Take time to sit quietly, meditate, or journal. Ask yourself, What have I been longing for but putting off?
Follow Your Joy: Reflect on the moments that bring you pure happiness. What activities, places, or ideas make you come alive? These often point directly to the life still waiting to be lived.
Reflect on Childhood Dreams: Think back to what you wanted to be or do as a child before practicality or fear got in the way. Sometimes the dreams of our younger selves hold clues to our unlived lives.
Name the Fear: Fear is often the biggest barrier between you and your unlived life. Name the fear and ask yourself, What’s the worst that could happen? More often than not, the answer is less intimidating than we imagine.
Take Small Steps: You don’t have to dive headfirst into a big, scary leap. Start small. Sign up for a class, write the first page, or research the thing you’re curious about. The smallest step can build momentum.
There’s a common misconception that some doors close forever if we don’t walk through them right away. But Sonia’s words reminded me that it’s never too late to pursue the life waiting inside us. Life doesn’t come with an expiration date for dreams. Whether you’re 25 or 75, your unlived life is still within you, ready to unfold.
Think of it this way: every time you take a step toward your dreams, you’re adding a new chapter to the story of your life. You’re giving yourself permission to live fully, not just to exist. Take a moment today to sit with the question, What unlived life is still in me? Write down your thoughts, no matter how small or wild they seem. Then, choose one small step to take toward that life. From what if to why not, your dreams are calling, my friend.
xoxox…..Sheryl
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