Playing The “What If? Game
Fear can have a powerfull negative impact on our lives especially when it spirals into dread that grows from anticipated unknown or troubling possibilities.
Our imagination can run wild with vivid details that can chain us to a life that is unwanted an unhappy.
The fact is no one can scare us better than we can. Most “what ifs” focus on worse case scenarios…”What if I lose my job?” or “What if I can’t pay my bills?” or “What if someone gets angry at me?”
Years ago I was having coffee with a colleague and the topic of fear came up. He asked me about one of my fears and I answered, “I have a fear of losing everything and being out on the street living as a homeless woman or a bag lady.”
He challenged me to heighten that fear and suggested the following scenario:
Imagine that I found myself in a town where I knew no one, had no money, no clothes except the ones I was wearing, no family, and no friends. As if I was just dropped there and had nothing except myself. He asked, “What would you do?” I could feel the panic beginning to escalate and I didn’t want to play.
After my initial shock, my answers began to pour out. I said, “The first thing I’d do is look for work. I would accept any kind of job I could get to earn immediate cash. Then I would look for some place to sleep, any shelter that felt safe.”
The more I talked about what I would do, the calmer I felt. This “what if” scenario reminded me that I’m a thriver and willing to do whatever it takes to land on my feet. I always have and reminding myself of my abilities, tenacity, and courage was comforting. Whew!
In the same situation, what would you do?
Playing the “What if?” game can help to expose the truth about your fears so that you can claim responsibility for what you will do if the worst happens. You can realize that these horrific situations are more manageable than you imagined. AND you can also see that many of the things you imagine never, ever happen!
Our negative fears view life through a narrow lens and eliminate creative options and solutions. This game can help to expand your viewpoint and invite you to see things from a fresher perspective.
Here’s how to play:
Make a list of the specific fears that occupy your thoughts and might keep you up at night. After each “what if?” write down what you would do if your worse fears actually came true. Describe in detail what would happen and what you could do about it. Consider your options, resources, support, people….
After you’ve done that exercise, consider the opposite position
Make a list of all the best scenarios you can imagine. In other words, “what if everything you ever desired, dreamed about, yearned for…. happened.”
- What would you do?
- Would you be able to receive all this good with open arms?
- Who would you become?
I recommend journaling your feelings and observations. Reflect on what you learned about yourself that can become your growing edge.
And remember that in every moment, you do not walk alone. The Divine is always with you as your life partner in creating a joy-filled abundant life!
Have a great day 
Lorraine
Awesome blog and I love your suggestions. Doing the exercise provides with a way to connect with our inner truth and resources…empowering us into greater expansion.
With appreciation,
Yvonne
Thanks Yvonne!
My experience as been that when we face our stories of “what if” we find that the reality of what we imagine begins to dissipate and clarity shines through. Often, what a relief!
Blessings,
Lorraine
Hi Lorraine,
I’m going to play this game-sounds like exactly what I need right now.
Great post-thanks so much,
Gina
Go for it Gina
Let me know how it goes.
Warmly,
Lorraine
Hi Lorraine
Love it - face your fears head on instead of them holding you hostage and in this place of limbo.
Thanks for the exercise another great one for going into the fear.
In love, light and abundance x x x
What most people fail to realize in letting their fears and “what if” scenarios take over is that we ultimately have a choice: 1.) we can let our fears manifest themselves into reality, or 2.) we can choose to decide for ourselves what our future will be.
The key here is that “we do have a choice.”
Making the point of “having a choice” is so important Ricardo
That’s one distinction that separates folks from identifying themselves as victims or champions.
Thanks for adding your voice to the conversation!
Warmly,
Lorraine
Hi Lola
Your post on going into the darkness was great and what synchronicity with my post! I vote for freedom to be who I am rather than feeling captured and trapped by my emotions that are self-created illusions.
Be who you are Lola!
Namaste
Lorraine
Hi Lorraine…
Whenever I venture into uncharted waters for me… I do tend to play the what if game “worst-case scenario” stuff… but along with that nowadays is “what if my venture really takes off” scenario… for me it’s important to look both at worst-case and best case scenarios.
And as Ricardo says… we do have a choice.
Warmly
Jeanne
Hi Jeanne
Looking at the pros and cons is part of the decision-making process. My point is that when we allow our fear-driven “what’s ifs” to hold us back from living the life we want, this game can be a powerfull tool to free folks to enjoy their lives.
Cheers,
Lorraine
I’ve been struggling within myself, and this exercise shows up to complete. I could have sworn, Lorrraine, that you read my mind, because you touched some of the very areas I’ve been having trouble with.
In processing the matters presented, I was able to see where trust, surrender, and grace would play an important part in where I end up. I am so thankful for this.
Love,
Kat
That’s the Universe at work Kat. I had no idea I was going to resurrect that post when I woke it. It just popped into my head to post it! I love Divine synchronicities! Great awareness on your part! Hugs,
Lo
I think it takes two to make it happen.
Thank you for your obedience in listening and following the lead.
I do believe in miracles.
Love,
Kat
It’s all perfect Kat!
Love,
Lo