The Definition

Over at www.dictionary.com here what they say:

• noun – exposure to the chance of injury or loss; a hazard or dangerous chance: “It’s not worth the risk.”

• verb – to expose to the chance of injury or loss; hazard: “… to risk one’s life.”

I’d say that sums it up, generally.  And yet, when it comes to specifics, risks vary widely from person to person.  For instance, to some, calling women in the arts and asking for interviews would be no big deal.  Creating a journal (with no real idea of how to go about it), also, to some, would be no big deal.  Or writing poetry and/or essays, honestly expressing one’s feelings.  Or creating and performing a one-woman show.  Or looking for an agent and a publisher to support these efforts.  Even writing on this blog.  Again, to some, no big deal.  To me, however, at varying degrees, each of these is a risk – and each one, I am taking.

The Case

Why would I put myself out there like this, opening myself up for rejection and ridicule at every turn?  Oh, for so many reasons:  to connect with others,  myself,  and the Great Creator that lives in and all around me; to inspire, empower and encourage others to do the same; to give back to the world in which other writers, performers and artists of all kinds inspired, empowered and encouraged me (and continue to do so); and, to experience a life of full self-expression and have fun, two of my highest values.

Really, I could go on and on with this list.  And that is exactly my point.  When there are more reasons to take a risk than not, and such good ones, when the call is so loud or deep or compelling that it becomes louder and more powerful than the voices of fear, it is as though I must march forward, toward that call.  The steps can be tiny, the help can be abundant, the timing can be at any pace, but I must take action, or else…

Or else what?  Or else the voices of fear win.  The inner terrorists whose job it is to keep me safe in the cocoon of sameness are victorious, and I begin to stagnate.  Little by little, every time I tell myself that I shouldn’t or I can’t, or I ask myself what if I fail or what will they think of me, I die some.  And, I would venture to guess, so do you.

The Challenge

So here’s my challenge for you (and one I’ll take with you):  will you allow yourself to come more alive every day, rather than die a little (or a lot)?  Will you listen to the voice of I could and I can for a while?  Will you imagine succeeding and having them think positively of you, for a change, or even work toward not caring at all what they might think?

Remember, these don’t have to be risks such as bungee jumping or sky-diving, although they can be.  They can also be making a phone call to a friend from whom you are disconnected or trying a new recipe, or going to a movie by yourself or going out in public without make-up.  Only you know what is a risk for you, and only you can give yourself permission to take it.

I hope you will take this challenge with me, and let me know how it goes.  I am sure there will be days I will need to be inspired, empowered and encouraged by you, too.  I think that’s how it works, don’t you?  It certainly makes the journey more enjoyable, if you ask me.

Additional Inspiration

OK.  I will end now with two of my favorite quotes about risk.  One is from Erica Jong,  and you see it in the banner at the top of this blog: “If you don’t risk anything, you risk even more.”

And the other is from Anais Nin, “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

Gratitude

Thank you for being on this journey of blossoming with me.

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Laura Biering has an infectious zeal for coaching people who want to do enlivening work and live inspired lives. She's fired up about the power of taking risks - great and small - and the rewards that come as a result. She's also passionate about (1) creativity and authenticity and their potential to change the world, (2) frolicking with her adorable four-legged children, and (3) retreating with those she loves at her farm in Southeast Georgia, Brinson's Race. Visit her website at True Voices.
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