Risk is something that can be taken or not. Its like your own personal binary code either you do or you don't.
Risk is something I used to never be afraid of. I'm not talking about jumping off of cliffs or endangering my physical body. I mean running for class office or initiating conversations with new people that I didn't know, or defending those around me from being picked on by 'cooler kids'.
I realized last week that risk is the same thing as leaving your comfort zone. Trying something that may make you nervous or anxious or trepidation. But a good risk.... can bring you joy on the other side.
Risk is going out on a first or blind date. Risking meeting someone for the first time and liking them or them not liking you. Risking going out on the next date and not giving up on relationships. Risking going out in search of the RIGHT person for all the things you have ever dreamed of happening. Risking showing your gorgeous and ugly side to the person you want to create a life with to help you grow!
Risk is going to a restaurant or a vacation solo. (eek, I'm not there!).
Risk is having faith that while this may not be the right decision that be it God, karma, Buddha, fate or whatever you believe in.... you will come out better than you left.
Sometimes we create a brick wall mentally to stop us from risking the very thing we need the most. We can create these walls to impede our goals, to stop us from finding the very thing our hearts and minds want the most. We can provide excuses and reasons and negative thoughts that will keep us further. We think they help us to cope but they push us further away from healing.
Risk sometimes hurts,, risk sometimes is ecstatic, risk can be fear or joy.
This week I risked meeting new people in a few venues. I risked cooking recipes that I had never cooked before. I risked asking others for help when they might not be willing or able. I risked letting go of some hurt that I've been carrying for a few months, like taking layers away from myself and exposing me that much more to the sun or world.
Risk is how a child learns how to walk. Its how they learn to crawl, eat, speak, at the most primal level. If you don't try to say mama,, you'll never learn. If you don't let yourself balance on your feet you won't be able to walk or take that first step no matter how much mom and dad can't wait for you to!:)
2 comments:
great blog girlfriend! I love taking risks, (mostly afterwards) cause they are scary in the beginning! I agree, you have to take risks to learn, even though they might be difficult steps. I remember the first time I flew on a plane by myself, (without a group that I was with or anything) and it was to go to texas to visit Shan. It was such a cool trip and, with my ipod, some great me time:) and now I'm not scared of flying by myself anymore!!
Ok so for the first paragraph (and this is going to show what a dork I am) I honestly thought you were referring to the board game Risk...LOL...I did get it later and re-read :)
I agree...taking risks is how we learn and grow and as I get older, risking gets more difficult I have noticed. Rollercoasters aren't as fun anymore....the prospect of moving to a new place where I don't know anyone doesn't provide the same feel of adventure it once did. Maybe it's because I know myself better now and know what to expect more so the consequences of risks are much more clear and well-defined which can be a deterrent...but taking a risk is what leads us to so much more...allows us to realize potential. So although it does seem to get a bit more difficult, it's no less worth it than it was when we were taking our very first steps. That's my take on it anyway :)
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