“Careful what you ask for..."

“Careful what you ask for...

You just may get it”

I've heard this expression my entire life, thrown in many different situations. Some in jest, most in sincerity, but never really for the same reason twice. I believe a lot of the times, the motto is often misused. Said as a catchall for asking too much from too little, most folks find it the phrase used for a warning from trying to bite from the forbidden fruit. The fruit was symbolic friends, there was no apple, no quince, no tree of knowledge. The lesson being taught was the very fruit of fame.

Back to the original quote, always be careful about what you want, especially when it comes to the heart. If you know your heart, you will find it to be the second dumbest organ on your body. It only listens to emotions. It doesn't think, scheme, or worry. Your heart is that friend that sees a shopping cart all by itself and says lets get in it and ride downhill! You have to protect that, nurture it and make it a priority or it will wither and die leaving nothing but a mechanical pump for your life's blood.

Those on the outside, those that have never learned how to let their heart just be what it is or have never experienced true joy are the ones that most use this tired antidote.

“Be careful what you ask for...you just may get it!”

This is because they are afraid. They are afraid of change. They are afraid of chance. They lack courage to allow themselves happiness. To live without fear is foolish, absolutely, otherwise we would have a much shorter time on this Earth, which we all know is far too short.

Most of the time the speaker of this line is afraid of losing a partner on the ground, of losing an anchor to the Terra that comforts them. They only see the danger for the one attempting to soar, ignoring the slower death of decay. A death that is inevitable and painfully apathetic. A death that will leave nothing but regret and a last gasp of disparity for never attempting to fly themselves. Never regret doing, only regret the things you let others talk you out of doing.

Those that take the initiative, those that take the chance to “ask” will always be happier in the end. The “Askers” don't make a choice, they live it. The heart as aforementioned isn't a problem solver, in turn, its quite the trouble maker at times. You see, the heart doesn't choose love, its in fact chosen by love. It won't sit and think about consequences, won't think of unforeseen troubles lurking around the corner. The heart is excitement in its purest form, happy to be in the state it is, to relish in the confusion.

When someone you love, someone that has made your life better in any way, shows signs of this elation. Be happy for them. Don't be jealous, angry or afraid for them. They are about to take a journey. There are no guarantees that it will end well, but there are really no guarantees at all when it comes to the heart, only the moment. We, as human beings, so seldom get to be in that moment, encourage it, support it and if you can let it inspire you to take a chance and lift your feet from the soil as well.

Think twice before reciting this old cliche' to anyone you love. If they heed you, pull themselves back to the ground without first flying. When they meet that time of acceptance or regret, you will find yourself on the side of the latter, along with missed loves, unused opportunities and untraveled pathways...you don't want to be there, trust in that.

In other words, before you speak this old saying, first say it to yourself. It may be the best advice you've ever given...to yourself!