It seems to me, sometimes, that the most important phrase we can hold onto is simply “why not?” It rings true in my life all the time, professionally as well as personally.

Now, let me say right off the bat, that “why not” has limits, even for me. There is no “why not” with respect to taking on things that could be life threatening to anyone or things that might cause others harm or pain. Rather, “why not” applies to trying new things, taking on new challenges, realizing that some limits are only there because we’ve told ourselves they are there.

From a professional standpoint, I have learned that elders, regardless of age or stage, ability or disability, are still up for trying new things. I’ve had the joy of leading five missions to Israel with individuals who live in either nursing homes or assisted living. They’ve had various degrees of physical limitation and we’ve navigated with wheelchairs and walkers from the top of Masada to floating in the Dead Sea.

We’ve pushed wheelchairs down the boardwalk at Coney Island and through the crowds into Radio City Music Hall and so much more. Age is not a limitation nor is disability unless we let it be, unless we decide that something is “impossible,” rather than asking “why not.”

Personally, “why not” often applies to challenging myself to do, or take on, something new. Taking both my 200 hour and 300 hour Yoga teacher certification courses falls into that category. I could tell you, and can tell you, that my life is full every day, from the time I wake up until the moment I close my eyes again. Yet, with my husband prompting me with “why not,” I managed to squeeze one more thing into my life and it has brought me meaningful knowledge and growth.

It is so easy for us to say no to things, to leave the doors closed and keep change at bay. After all, change can be frightening and we already have enough going on. But I believe that we are far better served if we approach new ideas by taking a breath and asking ourselves, with honesty and sincerity, why not. Our lives may be the richer for it and our hearts even closer to full.