If Only

Humans are curious creatures.

It's in our blood to wonder who, what, when, where, and why.

We often look to media, novels, teachers, gods, and the universe for answers to what we do not know, in hopes of understanding. Even a slice of understanding can be fulfilling in our world.

We gravitate towards news of discoveries about past phenomenons, like Stonehenge, in hopes of discovering a better understanding of from where we come. I took an anthropology class in college to do the same.

For ones who do not question how the human existence has evolved, they are most likely complacent in their life. For those who continue to express hope of change, they are living not only for themselves, but for others as well.

Yesterday, for example, was Equal Pay Day. It is a good reminder of the phrase 'if only.' As we ponder what could be, let us question our existence.

If Only

• If only life had an easy button.
• If only our knowledge was infinite and ever-expanding.
• If only everyone just got along.
• If only relationships were as easy as peanut butter and jelly.
• If only it was sunny 365 days a year and climate change did not exist.
• If only there was finally world peace.
• If only war never existed.
• If only women were paid and seen as equals to men.
• If only all races were paid fairly and equally.
• If only there was a definitive answer to every health problem.
• If only there was not racism in healthcare.
• If only we knew what the future held for humanity.
• If only letting go of regret was as easy as holding a grudge.
• If only we all had the same opportunities to thrive in our lives.
• If only humans saw the interior instead of just the exterior.
• If only we had the answers to everything life throws at us.
• If only we knew everything about the past, like Stonehenge, and how it could help us with surviving in the future.
• If only everyone was happy with their life.

We will forever live with a lifetime of if onlys. It is up to us to turn those if onlys into possibilities.

Reflecting on Equal Pay Day and the outpouring it saw on social media, let us remember to take a look at the problem at hand AND take action. Not only are women being paid less than me, but some women are being paid less than other women due to their racial background. The problem is a lot bigger than some people realize.

Let us not only make it a day, but an every day thought and action provoking situation. Yes, we can make national days to raise awareness, but if they are only going to raise awareness one day a year, what is the point?

We send "thoughts and prayers" in tragedies, well, Donald Trump does, but that has gotten us no where. Instead of pretending to care, initiatives to take action and contribute to change are the only options for surviving the future for our 'if only' situations.

Not only are we curious creatures, but our curiosity will never die. We live, and we evolve. Through our curiosity, we have created a society that is racing towards the next big thing, always. At a rapid rate, we are looking to the future and sometimes forgetting the past. Sometimes this is a good thing, but sometimes we need to see the bigger picture.

In order to change our if onlys, we need to consider the past, present, and future. It is the only way.

What do we have to lose when we are already living in a world full of doubt? We can 'keep clear' of problems, or we can face them head on.