Contributed by Alexandra Sissulak.

A space, a moment in time, where both mistakes and miracles alike can flourish, frolic, and play together is where opportunities are created. This is where the best things happen. Opportunities for love, success, and happiness, to name a few.

Depending upon whatever mindset is applied, the abundance and availability of opportunities are potentially limitless.

If only we knew where they are??

Maybe we’re stuck because we believe no one will give us a chance.  Being given a chance isn’t the same as having an opportunity. While quite similar, there are a few subtle, yet key differences that separate the two: action, or involvement, engagement, and intention are required for an opportunity; chance will happen whether it is experienced or not. Also, an opportunity doesn’t always appear in the form of a gift, or chance, you might say. Largely opportunity is associated with positive outcomes, with some nuance and a small thing called “perspective” that certainly comes into play. Another element is time, which generally presents the greatest obstacle to overcome for most, if not all of us. Because time, while often coming up short, is the greatest equalizer of all. Opportunities can only be taken as they present themselves, not yesterday or tomorrow.

Lastly, in order for an opportunity to occur, you need to be present.  Staying preset and aware of your surroundings and maintaining a balanced awareness of yourself during any given moment is where opportunity can be found. If you aren’t present when opportunity becomes available, it was never yours to begin with.  To find opportunities with outcomes leading in the direction of your choosing, you need to know where to look.

Where the heck do I do look!?!

Inside yourself.

You look at your values and what matters most to you and who matters most to you; the “when” and “how” will follow.

You need only to direct the ship, point the finger, flip the page, scribble that last thought, and dream your biggest dream.

Now you’re cooking with gas!!

Light that flame, get the engines burning hot and ready to engage. And then point your whole self into whatever direction you love most.

Open the doors to opportunities yourself, in a way that resonates with you and your values.

Ask yourself, “What’s on the other side of opportunity’s door?”, or “If I could create any opportunity, what would it be?”

This is the most important step: Answer the question.

Then, turn the handle, walk in, and repeat.