BUT’S, IF’S, and WHAT IF’S

“What if it was not yet too late?”

Sophie had no idea that this line has given Claire so much courage and hope to continue searching for her long lost fiancé after five decades. And never did she (Sophie) thought that it would be the start of a new found love with someone she detested at first.

Seems familiar?

Yes, it was all taken from the movie, “Letters to Juliet” with Amanda Seyfried ( Mama Mia) as Sophie. For the benefits of those who were not able to watch it, here’s a short peek from the romantic comedy film:

Sophie went to the sweet city of Verona, Italy (where Romeo and Juliet first saw each other) with her boyfriend for the hope of finding an inspiration to write about (she’s a writer for a hobby). Aside from realizing that her boyfriend is very much in love with culinary arts ( he devotes most of his time on the craft ), she also discovered a group of women who call themselves, “secretaries of Juliet”. They have the mission of helping eliminate pains of the world by giving advices to those who have “heart [love] problems”. Everyday, they try to answer letters (stuck on the Letters to Juliet wall). Already involved with the group, Sophie got the chance to answer a letter dated 50 years ago from Claire which she has found on the stone wall. To her surprise, Claire flew to Italy with her overprotective grandson who did nothing but to oppose Sophie. To make the story short, Claire found her lost love, they got married, and were very happy. As for Sophie, she took the courage to break up with her boyfriend (who seems to want nothing else but food), and decided to take the risk of falling in love again – this time, with Claire’s grandson.

And it all happened because it was not too late yet.

Or should I say, because they all took the risk?

Relating it to real life situation, there are so many Claires in us who need confidence from other people because they alone cannot make the decision. Extrinsic motivations are needed to keep them going. They doubt themselves – they have many “but’s and if’s”.

I for an instance, has become one for quite some time in my life. There were so many things I have wanted to do, been wanting to have, to accomplish, and to see..but so many compelling ideas hinder my path. For an example, at this point of my life, travelling is something which I want to make investment on, but financially wise, (although I could really afford it now), I’d rather save the money for my siblings’ (and my child’s too) future. Maybe, travelling could wait. I still have enough years, and I have already set my mind to give in to all my leisure cravings at the age of 40. For if I will do it now, I would be compromising my family’s sake.

For some of us, “but’s and if’s” connote cowardice, failures, and yes, regrets. They give possibility to forever sadness and emptiness. And because many of us are afraid of rejections and disappointments, we always want our lives to be in accordance with our plans – so we shy away from risk taking. We never want to experience pain.

On the other side of the coin, there are also Sophies who ask WHAT IF’s, opening possibilities to seeing more chances and hope. They have their own “but’s and if’s” too, but they don’t allow themselves to be disheartened. It only helps them thinking for a while, but it is still the “what if’s” which would push them to try because the curiosity of knowing what would’ve or could’ve happened fascinates them. They are not afraid of making mistakes, because for them, there will be no growth unless you take the risks.

But’s, If’s, and What if’s. They could be scary and confusing, but they give life to our lives – the excitement and the uniqueness we need to enjoy the topsy turvy ride, or more, let us catch a glimpse of success.