July 4th Reflections: Is Anything Really Possible?

July 4, 2010, Lake Meridian, Covington, WA

I've been chewing on the notion that anything is possible lately. When I'm allowing cynicism, resignation, and my ego to run the show, it's easy to think, "Clearly anything is not possible." What a ridiculous idea! Obviously, it's not possible for me to look just like the instructor at our hot yoga studio. I can't imagine looking like her even if I got fit, had lots of plastic surgery, liposuction, a face lift, spent hours in a tanning bed, and got my belly button pierced. Getting fit is a great idea. The rest are crazy, selfish, narcissistic thoughts that make no difference other than to dis-empower me.

What about "anything is possible" in a way that makes a real difference, though? On this 4th of July, I think about historic events that truly seemed impossible and happened anyway because of the intentions, beliefs, courage, commitment, and actions of those who refused to entertain the thought, "It's impossible."

I watched the movie Invictus last night. If you haven't seen it, and you want to be inspired to believe that anything is possible, watch this movie. It was completely unpredictable that a black man who spent 27 years in prison could become the President of South Africa and unite a very divided country through his pure commitment, courage, and actions.

Independence Day in the United States is a testament to the courage and commitment of a small group of people who wanted independence from the British and gained it against all odds. Whatever you may think about it, it's a good time of year to celebrate liberty and possibility in whatever form it takes for you.

Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishment the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.