Ask someone who knows you well, “Am I a risk taker?” What would they say? Are they right?
My friends call me a risk taker, and people I speak to at the gym or local coffee shop say, “Wow, your life is so exciting. Mine is boring compared to yours.” My answer. “Anyone can do it. It just depends on how you view life.”
We are all risk-takers. Think about it. We drive (more accidents now caused by drivers texting,) we cross streets, we catch planes. We may not see those as risks, because we consider them a necessity. So why can’t we uproot ourselves from a job we’re not passionate about, a relationship that isn’t working or a town we’ve grown tired of? Why do we put up with situations we’re not happy with?
The most common answer given is fear. We hate change, breaking our routine, but what we need to realize is that security can only be found on the inside. We cannot control what’s on the outside.
Right now, we are seeing major changes, adjustments and shifts in the global economy. No one is really sure where things are heading, and there are wonderful opportunities, if we open our eyes. Does it matter what others think about our choices? Most of the time, they wish they had the guts to do the same. So why not seize this moment to grow and discover new things about yourself. That is one of the benefits of travel. Our year in Belize, Central America, with our three sons, taught me how to simplify and downsize: two useful skills to have in today’s economy. My sons became more creative, bonded with family, and saw people living in poor conditions, yet enjoying their life.
This leads me to my next move. As soon as our house in California sells, my husband and I are relocating to Naples, Florida. We are ready to open a new chapter in our life. Both of us see opportunities for change and need to get out of Orange County, to take advantage of a more serene lifestyle. What if it doesn’t work out? some of you may be asking. My answer, I don’t think that way. Everything in life teaches us something new. It’s our attitude towards change, that counts.
For those of you wishing to change, I recommend taking one small step this week. It’s the small steps that lead to something bigger in the long run. Let me give you a few examples:
- Research a class or an activity you’ve been interested in taking and sign up.
- Try a new recipe to spice up your life.
- If you want to grow your blog, try a new approach: Interview some famous people. Here’s how.
Become a snake. Just as a snake sheds its outer layer of skin, we all need to keep growing, no matter how old or young we feel. So shed your skin and go for it.
(I realize many of my readers are already risk takers. You know who you are.)
Oh yes I am!
Just changed from Blogger to self-hosted WordPress!!!
I know it's going to be hard to get my readers to follow (I don't have blogger follow) yet or never, don't know.
Good for you to take a risk and move if that's what you want to do!
Fear?
I couldn't do anything what I do if I was afraid all the time…
But we are different.
For some people it's okay to live in the same place their whole life – not for me. I've got so MUCH from traveling and living abroad.
And the most important thing: I've learned a lot about myself. When you're out of your comfort zone you really get to know yourself…as you know! 🙂
Have a great week!
Sonia, maintaining a positive attitude is paramount to living
a happy and healthy life.
Fear of the unknown is normal
but shouldn't hinder, if possible;the path of least
resistance, our comfort zone, would
probably remain constant–evolving into boredom,if never taking a chance on something new, maybe wild
and crazy…
Sonia, can't wait to have
you and Duke in Naples!
Hope the house sells fast. Good for you for looking for a more serene lifestyle… that#s what I've found in Sweden.
You're so right — all that really counts is our attitude to change.
As you know my husband and I moved from Maryland to Iowa, 12 years ago, well it wasn't another country, but, for us it was a big change. We lived all our life in the same area. I am not ready to ever move again, but, I liked the adventure, at times I still feel like I am on vacation. And you are right about downsizing, we lived in the same house for almost 40 years and raised 5 children there. I love the smaller home. It is a bit cozier, and not near the work. In the last 5 years we bought our home. We have become landlords, which I never dreamed we would ever be. But, we are happy, and that is what counts in the long haul of things.
I think I have become less of a risk taker as I have gotten older, but this is a good reminder to never, at any age, let fear keep you from pursuing a dream. This post will keep me thinking for a while.
Attitude is right. I used to be a risk taker, but with age I´ve become comfortable, plus a hubby that hates risks. But I´m ok with it.
I hope your house sells soon!
@BLOGitse My friend Miss Footloose, From Life in the expat Lane. just transferred her followers to WordPress. it can be done.
@GulfGal I know you moved from CA to Naples, and don't regret it one bit.
@LadyFi Look forward to a quieter place to live. Fewer people, more land and space.
@GrammaAnn So you don't regret your choice either. Good for you.
@Jeanie You're a young, dynamic lady who loves Mexican vacations and grandkids around you. Am I right?
@Betty. Being happy is what counts
@Rob-Bear
You left me a nice long comment which I so appreciate. The thing is, I published it at the same time as Betty's, and it vanished. Please tell me this was your special risk taking trick on me, and not my fault. Thanks for the invisible comment, which I read.
What about Naples, FL made you want to move there? Just curious. Thanks for following my blog. What an amazing experience for your children to live abroad for a few years!
I'll tell you what risk I'm taking tomorrow. I'm writing a blog post that will offend someone. That scares me. Ha! Here's to being Gutsy!
I think I'm a prudent risk taker. I'm always interested in avoiding stagnation by learning new skills (even if I might fail) and traveling to new places, but I don't choose the kinds of adventures likely to end in serious injury or death. Prudent risk taking.
Oh, how this rings true! That comfort zone is what gets people all the time. In fact, some people who in fact don't belong together, end up staying together simply because it's the least angst provoking thing to do.
Moving to the opposite side of the country sounds like an adventure, for sure!
@Amy
After a year in Belize, and having always loved tropical waters and islands, I fell in love with the Naples area, as it has the best of both: tropical, and developed. What I mean, is Ambergris Caye, the island we lived on, didn't have a hospital. So if my family had an emergency, we'd have to be air-lifted off the island, and we lived 5 miles north of town, by boat.
@Patricia
I like your use of "prudent" risk taker. As I said before, there are certain things I won't do, like climb Mt. Everest.
@Jennie
As long as people are happy with their choices.
Thank you for visiting my blog! I wanted to comment away from there that I am considering some risks at this point. I want to start my own biz again, but I cannot add that to the stress of my current job. So I plan to look into personal medical leave to see if I cant gain back some of my mental capacity snd use some time to work on my biz idea. Once my leave is over, I will either find a less paying, LESS stressful position, or launch my business. I am going to be follwoing you, hope you come back and visit me soon!
When in my younger years…nothing could stop me. Worked and travelled all over the place. Once, Hubby walked into my life…things started shifting.
More conservatives risks were being taken. Although, my foundation is still rock solid and I'm happy to report that I am capable of making incredibly clear decisions…more so than before. I guess, now I'm in the phase of a newer found wisdom ;o)
I'm sure that your post will help nudge someone along to at least take a baby step risk today ;o)
Ciao for now and have a great day,
Claudia
@bernicewood
I can understand going with your passion rather than stressing, and having health consequences due to that. Good luck with your biz idea.
@Foodessa
Using wisdom in decision making makes sense. Thanks for stopping over.
Sonia, this is a great blog entry. Indirectly, we were both writing about the same thing this week. I think I am naming and defining, and you are writing about how to live in this chaotic world.
I just finished a book called Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway. Being gutsy is all about "doing it" without letting the fear paralyze you. It's not easy.
You are the Queen Risk Taker…I know I have slowed down a lot, but I believe whatever I want to do and what will make me happy I want to do and figure it will work out eventually…but my husband is a planner and very, very stubborn. Thanks for giving me lots to think about. May your home sell quickly and for lots of money!!!
That's not an easy job!
I just blogged about that very thing earlier this month; taking "calculated" risks: Letting Go of Fear.
Fear of failure prevents many from testing the waters and seeing what you are made of. It is true that "nothing ventured, nothing gained".
You're welcome for the comment. I just wish I remember what I said.
I've taken a lot of risks in my life. Changing jobs; changing careers; moving across a country for work; walking into burning buildings with nothing more than an inch and a half (diameter) fire hose; getting married; having children; writing, broadcasting and blogging; upholding unpopular beliefs and ideas. In each case, things I did because I thought they were the right thing to do. A couple of those proved to be really bad (two were health destroying); the vast majority were good, and I'd do them again.
Even though I'm hitting retirement, I don't expect my attitude will change much.