No Risk, No Reward

"A ship is always safe at the shore-but that is NOT what it is built for."

― Albert Einstein

I took a couple of risks today. I went to get a pedicure with mom and chose dark brown polish for my color. I debated on a color for at least five minutes. I love neutral colors and my husband complains that I have no color in my wardrobe. But I had never tried neutral for my toenails. It was a big decision. What if it looked awful? I went for it and love it! I was playing a card game with my family tonight called Deuce Deuce. I chose to keep four 9s, which is quite risky. It paid off and I didn't get stuck with points. I realize these are small risks, especially in the scheme of things, like real life.

I love the idea of being a risk-taker, and in some situations, I'm even the one who does it. I have bungee-jumped, scuba-dived, moved overseas alone, sat on an alligator's back, eaten various types of animals, uncommon to the American diet (I won't upset you with specifics or details), gone boogie-boarding in hurricane-like weather, started a business...the list goes on and on. I have taken some risks in my life. I also tend to avoid risks daily. Not the risks you think of as 'big' but the day-to-day opportunities that truly could prove to be life-changing if I would be willing to step outside my norm just a little.

Here's a recent example. Last night Brandon and I were hanging out at Pikes Perk coffee shop. When I was in the restroom, I could hear someone else in there who sounded like she was crying. When we were washing our hands, it was evident she had been upset but was trying to pull herself together. I offered her a paper towel, she accepted it and then she walked out the door and left the shop. It was one of those moments where you feel like you should say something and you want to, but it's just too uncomfortable. I am still thinking about it, so I obviously regret not asking her if she was ok or if she needed to talk. Yes, she was a complete stranger, and no, I do not normally do things like that. That's kind of the point. What if I could have offered some comfort or encouragement or just a listening ear?I am a counselor, so I guess I should be inclined to offer help in a situation like that. I have always wanted to be one of those people who could just talk to a complete stranger and carry on a conversation with anyone, unafraid. The risk? They reject my offer to help, think I'm crazy, or just ignore me. I don't know if I even consider any of those things legitimately risky. So what's my excuse? I'm not sure.

When I think about the chances I've taken, I don't remember a single thing that I wish I wouldn't have done. However, I can recall things I didn't do and wonder what might have happened if I took the risk. Most of the things I regret not doing aren't big...a conversation, a trip, an opportunity to put myself out there and really see what I could accomplish. And honestly, the outcome if I had done things differently would most likely not be life-altering. The aspect that is most difficult to live with is that I'll never know.

Putting these things in writing and then sharing it with the world is a risk and, in a way, causes me to challenge myself to take more everyday risks, rather than being afraid of failing, hurt pride or doing things differently. I do know that when I hear about risks others took, or I read quotes about taking a leap of faith, it inspires me. It stirs up passion inside of me. When something affects me in that way, I want to grab it and hang on with everything I have.

"When you take risks you learn that there will be times when you succeed and there will be times when you fail, and both are equally important." -Ellen DeGeneres

Conclusions? I'm going to take more risks, trust my instincts and talk to someone I don't know everyday. I want to hear people's stories, learn what makes them unique or what we may have in common. I want to meet people from all walks of life and take the time to hear what they have to say, because I believe that everyone has something to offer that no one else can. I am going to be intentional about being uncomfortable for the sake of learning more about others and about myself. I can't wait to see what happens.

Like Einstein's quote above says, I was made for something more than to stay safely at the shore. Like my dear friend Gabriel tweeted recently- Tired of living average. Ready to embrace greatness. My easily distracted mind says no. My spirit and heart say there is more to this life.