The definition of a “possibility” is something that may be true or might occur, something that can be chosen from among a series of choices. It’s a chance that something might exist, might happen or might be true: the state or fact of being possible. Powerful isn’t it? According to that definition, if something is possible, it’s up for grabs for us to have as our reality. So, I wonder what are your possibilities? Is it possible for you to live abroad for a time? Is it possible for you to start your own business? Is it possible for you to begin scratching things off your bucket list? Is it possible for you to forgive that person you just can’t seem to forgive? Is it possible for you to get healthier? Is it possible for you to change your life?
As I considered the choices that we face every day, every year, every moment of our lives—I was reminded of someone in our Garrison family that has done just that. He is most impressive in what he has accomplished and what he has chosen for his possibility. You see Darryl has been overweight for most of his life. He’s married to a beautiful woman and has two sweet kids. But when Darryl bent over to tie his shoe one day and realized he couldn’t do that without losing his breath, he knew it was time for a change. Darryl was only in his mid-thirties and that incident was his reality check. So, he made a decision to get healthy. It started with a contest at work a year and a half ago, a Biggest Loser kind of thing. In 3 months he lost a lot of weight, but when the contest was over, he went back to his old habits. Last August, his family decided to buy a Groupon for a kickboxing class but mostly for the “free boxing gloves” as he says. He made a choice to get healthy and this time it would be for good.
Darryl goes to the gym daily, he eats healthier and brings his lunch to work religiously. And, the proof is in the pudding, he’s lost 35 pounds! Darryl says his biggest mental shift is realizing the life and old habits that are now a thing of the past. He sees pictures of his former self and it’s hard to believe. As Darryl notes, “it’s too hard to put the weight back on” so he’s always looking for ways to avoid getting stuck in that rut again and triggering old habits. He also is so appreciative of all the things he’s able to do now and he realizes how far he’s come. He sees the biggest difference in his confidence because he’s aware of what his body is capable of. That confidence transcends to everything else he does. The way he talks to people has changed, the clothes he wears has changed, what he thinks of who he is has changed. Darryl’s transformation is nothing short of inspiring. The discipline and will that he’s developed is amazing. When I asked what his goal is for his weight, he smiled and said, “I want to make my wife jealous…” We’ll have to ask his sweet wife if that mission has bee accomplished yet!
What Darryl has taught me is at one point in his life, losing weight and getting healthy was something that might be true, it was something that had to be chosen from among a series of choices. He was willing to take a chance that losing weight is something that might exist, it was the state or fact of being possible. You see, Darryl’s possibility is now his reality. His choice led to something concrete about who he is. Not only has Darryl benefited from a healthier life, he’s taught us the power of choice. He’s proved to us that the odds of a possibility becoming true are only as probable as you want to make them. Darryl has added longevity to his life, he’s added years to his marriage, he’s added the gift of more memories with his children.
So, what is your possibility? Who else will that one choice impact? How powerful is the probability that your possibility will be your reality?
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