Why Do I Have To Wear Pants?
Somewhere around three years old, we start asking "why". Why is the sky blue, why can't I have ice cream for breakfast, why do I have to wear pants? Often our parents indulge us for a little while, but soon it turns into "because I said so". Growing up and even into our adult life, college, and first jobs we were brushed off in similar ways:
"Because I said so"
"Because those are the rules"
"Because it's always been that way"
In fact, some of us eventually stop asking "why" and questioning the norm because the answer is always the same.
Luckily, around 20 years old, I reconnected with my inner three-year-old but instead of asking authority figures around me, I began asking myself "why". Getting into the habit of always asking myself "why" has helped me gain more confidence in my life choices and decisions. Ironically, embracing that child-like nature is one reason I think I was successful in my career. I tend to challenge the norms and the "because it's always been that way".
The "whys" helped me discover new ways of doing things or viewing situations. I found myself not typically "going with the flow" because I stopped and asked myself WHY instead of just doing what everyone else was doing.
Eventually, asking "why" also helped me become a better dancer and instructor too.
WHY do we do a certain hand gesture or gaze? Why does this move feel better after that move? Why does my Egyptian look different from someone else's? Why is that ok?
Asking why means I'm always learning and growing, always interested in the smallest details in life (and dance), always finding new ways to look at something, and always evaluating WHY I love what I love or WHY I do what I do.
So, this week I want to challenge you to embrace your inner three-year-old and ask yourself WHY more often. Then keep asking until you get to the root and to an answer that you feel confident in. Some ideas to start:
- Pick one thing you do every day and ask yourself WHY you are doing it. Something as simple as "why do I drink coffee" can really open your eyes if you just keep asking why.
- Pick a habit you WANT to be doing every day and ask yourself why you aren't doing it? Then keep asking! You'll be surprised what the true answer is.
Getting into the habit of asking yourself "why" can truly be eye-opening, confidence-building, and empowering. WHY? Well, you'll just have to ask the person you trust the most. When you ask them, please also tell them that ice cream is a totally acceptable breakfast food and 2020 proved that pants aren't required.
I'd LOVE to hear how your week of why goes! Please feel free to email or message me :)