This prompt has had me reeling for days. Of course the easy answer would be, “I quit my job and started a new chapter of life” and naturally that is what immediately came to mind. Well, we all know that by now so let’s dig a little deeper. I will challenge myself to be open and honest with hopes to gain trust and give insight on who I am and what I can offer you with a follow and or purchase of a book; through conversation, interaction, resources and collaboration.

Thinking deeper there are several risks I (and we as humans) take on daily. Here are a few that come to my mind;

Be Yourself- Daily we put ourselves out into the world exposing who we are at our core inside and out. For some this is an easy mundane task for others it isn’t. Sticking true to what you believe, acting on your best interest and doing what brings you the most pleasure in that moment can be “risky” “anxiety/stress inducing” but the more we are who we are and act on what we need the happier we can and will be.

Set Boundaries- Putting yourself and your needs first is hard and can be risky to the relationships and experiences we expose ourselves to. But protecting your soul mind and heart is essential to keeping you healthy; emotionally, physically and mentally. Saying “no” to an opportunity is ok. It does not make you an awful friend but it is making you healthier for the next time you can bring yourself to an experience. If you do not want to talk about something say so. Comply with what you can handle and push your own boundaries as you see fit.

Let Them- Ohhhh Mel Robbins I’ll give you all the credit here! I am just about to start her new book on the Let Them Theory- Have you read it?! Anyone have any thoughts?!- Anyway… what I bring this to mean in the here and now before I dive into this book… more to come???… is that every person is entitled to their own life and experience. Your thoughts and opinions may not align with theirs and that is OKAY. Instead of worrying about other people and focusing on your negative reactions towards others actions focus your energy on what brings you peace and happiness. Let others be and you be YOU.

Taking risks every day can bring about benefits to people of all ages. Young, teen, adult, elderly… taking risks can bring self confidence, acceptance, and self control to our demeanor and personalities. Taking risks encourages us to ask for help and to try again until we find the right answer.

The earlier we introduce risk taking into children’s lives the earlier children can benefit from the positives it brings into their lives. As adults it is our responsibility to provide a safe, consistent loving environment for children so they are comfortable taking risks. A risk can be exploring the classroom without a parent, crossing the monkey bars on the playground, asking another child to play… Risks can be more than just jumping off a cliff or purchasing a new home they come in all shapes and sizes and the more we offer the opportunity to take even the smallest risk the more growth can come from it.

Risk On!