It is our dream of what is possible that gives us hope.

When we envision positive outcomes, relationships and lives, we are using possibility thinking. When we let ourselves imagine what is possible, even if we’ve had a history of disappointments, we allow positive energy to enter our thoughts and actions. Dreaming is just as essential as taking action.

Dispense with limiting beliefs and negative self-talk. Instead let positive thoughts infuse your being. Instead of dwelling in what we didn’t do, focus on what we can do. Focus on what is possible. Focus on being creative, flexible, and open to other options. It’s freeing.

What’s possible?

Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. Who knew that a quick overnight trip this past weekend would provide me with an idea for this week’s post?

After a long drive to Maryland, my husband and I arrived late Saturday night at the Courtyard Marriott. We had a family gathering to attend the following day.  We settled into our room. I got into bed and was about to read when I noticed a small pad of lined paper next to me on the bedside table provided by the hotel. The top of the pad had a title with a question below it:

“ACCOMPLISHED LIST.

Much more gratifying than a to-do list, don’t you think?”

I always enjoy surprise messages like this. I’ve seen ones on Yogi tea bag tags, the tape on the wrappers that hold the sandwiches together at Starbucks, and of course in fortune cookies. These notes sometimes make me laugh, or pause and think.

What about the “Accomplished List?” I love the possibilities that the pad suggested. Instead of writing down the things that you want to, need to, have to do on a particular day, it’s suggesting that you take inventory of what you already accomplished. If you are like me, you didn’t complete everything on your list, but you probably did a lot. We often tend to focus on what we didn’t do rather than what we did do.

What a lovely way to end the day, week or month with focusing on the positive! To-do lists are great for setting expectations, reaching goals, and imagining possibilities. The “Accomplished List” encourages you to reflect on and appreciate what you chose to complete.

It might be the beginning, middle or end of your day. Pause to jot down what you accomplished today, yesterday or last week. What are you most proud of? Come join the conversation to add your thoughts and share your most satisfying items from your accomplished list.

What a special time of year. Having just returned from being away this weekend in St. Louis for an ICD (Institute for Challenging Disorganization) board meeting, I was amazed to see the shift in fall colors. In just a few short days, the landscape in New York had changed yet again. That’s the magic of this season. I also noticed how possibilities were visibly present in many ways. I discovered them on different types of pages.

Blank Pages

This past weekend, I began writing in a new journal, since I finished my last one several weeks ago. I’ve been consistently keeping journals for over 40 years. On the plane back from St. Louis, I made my first entry. I opened the book and saw many blank pages ahead. As I wrote, I recognized that these empty pages, while blank were filled with possibilities. The pages will eventually include successes, failures, joys and sadness, struggles, wins, seed ideas, and dreams realized, observations, experiences, feelings yet to be discovered, explored and imagined, history, love, family, friends, ah-has, quiet reflections, ponderings, complaints, cheers, lists, travels, and gratitude. Possibilities will one day ink the currently blank pages.

Full Pages

Shifting from blank pages to full ones, I just began reading Todd Henry’s new book, Die Empty. While the title is a bit morbid, the book is in fact filled with hope and possibilities. Henry says that living a meaningful life includes not just thinking about what’s possible, but taking action steps necessary to realize your dreams and make a significant contribution. It’s a possibility guide with concrete and creative ideas. He includes great thought-provoking questions including, “Did the work I did today really matter?”

Open Pages

Today began with an early morning walk along the Hudson River. While there were many things on my “to do” list, the day felt open and brimming with possibilities. As I walked, I breathed deeply, stopping to take in the waft of hot pink, citrus-scented flowers and slight saltiness of the sea air. I felt the bright, warm light and cool breeze accompany me as I moved. The river ebbed and flowed as I journeyed down the path stopping to photograph and just enjoy the view before me. Birds chirped, trains chugged, and water sloshed against the rocks. Before me was an open landscape of possibilities.

What will you discover on your possibility pages? Are they blank, full, open, or something else? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join the conversation.

In the warm, fall sun near the beautiful river, the tall grasses go through cycles from still to bold movement. The wind guides the motion. We are not that different from these grasses. We can adopt a possibility agenda in a quiet or adventurous way. Choose an agenda that’s right for you- something that is comfortable or encourages you to stretch.

Baby Steps

What small and different choice can you make which will yield the possibility of a new result? Think about doing something different this day, hour, or moment. Take a small chance. Make a small change. Will you adopt a new habit like putting something away instead of down? Will you let go of one item today to reduce a cluttered area? What’s possible with a baby step?

Forward Steps

Think a bit larger by focusing on near future options like next week or month. What can you add to your possibility agenda that will allow you to think farther? Will you review your schedule to plan your time more efficiently for next week? Will you work on organizing one closet so that by the end of the month you’ll no longer have to struggle to get dressed? What’s possible with a forward steps agenda?

Giant Steps

Longer-term thoughts have the possibility of bringing big goals to fruition. Will you write that book that’s bubbling inside you?  Will you organize and prepare your home to be ready for next year’s move? Fear or discomfort might be experienced with thinking big and taking on more. What’s possible with a giant steps agenda?

The wind blows. The grasses respond. And stillness returns. Where will your thoughts take you? Which thoughts will bloom into actions? What’s possible for you? Come join the conversation.