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.)
