The Art of Possibility

I am reading a terrific book called, "The Art of Possibility" by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander. Throughout the book the authors intertwine stories. One such story describes a dinner table scene. Each night at the table each child was asked what they had done that day. The author, being one of the younger children, felt the question was really, "What did you achieve today?" Having to listen to his older siblings answer with all they had accomplished he felt he grew up with an "undertow of anxiety..." He felt he did not accomplish or achieve anything of significance.

Moving forward in his life, he decided to rename the "dinner table game" to one he called, "I am a contribution." So, instead of what did I do or achieve today, he would ask "How will I be a contribution today? or "What contribution did I make?" After reading this I decided to give the exercise a try.

I was at the beach this weekend with my family for an annual reunion on the Jersey Shore. It was unseasonably warm and we found ourselves building a huge sand castle. While taking my turn at digging and designing, I asked myself the question, "How will I be a contribution today?" I decided my contribution to the grand castle would be the entry bridge. Complete with sand drippies. My son, was busy sculpting the center of the castle, my niece happily digging the moat. As I began producing the sand drippies for the bridge, my very shy niece came by with my brother. Usually, my young niece does not talk to me but was intrigued to learn how to make a "drippie." Together we made the drippies on the bridge. It was a special moment.

As I laid in bed that night, I reflected on what contributions I had made today. More importantly I saw how that sand castle stood as a reminder that we all contributed in some way to make that sand castle a very special one. Some dug, some designed, some found shells, sticks and decorations, some patted down the walls, some made drippies....together is was a mighty fortress!

We all have something to contribute to this world. How will YOU be a contribution today?