This is Day 85 of the Positive 100, a countdown to Rare Disease Day 2014 and an exercise in being positive despite it all.
This is not about silence falling when the question is asked. It is not the oldest question in the universe. But the answer could very well be 42 (even Google knows it is the answer to life, the universe and everything).
Being inquisitive helps children decode the world around them, and it helps adults find new solutions to problems. When we ask how or why we are exploring ideas. When we question the facts we have been given, we can strengthen their validity. When we question those in charge, be it politicians, doctors or bosses, we can ensure that our best interests are at heart. Questioning our faith does not make us week or believers, it allows us to understand that faith and those beliefs further.
Some people question the universe in a very public way, like the recent Bill Nye and Ken Ham debate, which was won by Bill Nye because he was willing to question everything.
The more questions we ask, the more we know. We become informed patients. Knowledgeable voters. Expert lawyers. Scientists with killer bow ties. Girls with a mission to change the world.
We don’t want to get trapped in pity questions at pity parties. There is no answer to “why me.” We need to ask questions that matter.
What we really need to be asking is what can we do. How we can do it. Is this right.
What can we do to help others? What can we do to change the world? What can we do to find our faith? What can we do to embrace the challenges? What can we do better? What can we learn?
How can we improve this situation? How can we make a difference? How does this work? How can I improve it?
Is this a good decision? Is this action going to have a positive impact? Is this the right treatment? Is this law going to take away freedoms I believe in? Is this new program going to help those who really need it?
Don’t ask why me. Don’t be afraid to question everything.
What are you questioning? Share your answer on social media with the hashtag #100positivedays on Twitter, Instagram and Google+.