Inspiration

[LBTC]

I put this in the Cycling forum because I think it is just as applicable to cycling as it is to everything else in life.

I receive their blog by email every day. Every once in awhile there's one I want to share with everyone who inspires me and who I like:

http://www.swimupstreamlife.com/2008/04/swallow-your-fear-take-risk.html

The text:
swallow your FEAR : take a RISK
Posted: 03 Apr 2008 12:03 AM CDT


Whether you're piloting a single-engine plane, careening through rapids, making changes in your marriage, taking the next step in business, or dangling from a cliff, successfully navigating risky situations teaches you about yourself, increases your self-confidence, and helps you better manage life's inevitable uncertainties.


Taking RISKS is good for you.


Risk taking is similar to weight lifting - when you shock your muscles, you make them grow stronger; confronting your fears makes you realize you can live with stress.


Let's look at the most successful people. Not only are they committed to their own success, have a passion for what they are working towards, have clear & specific goals BUT they are uniformly more comfortable taking risks than the rest of the pack. This specific ability to take intelligent risks is the differentiating ingredient in their success and a huge determinant in anyone's level of achievement.


All in all, taking risks is a reminder that nothing in life is certain. NOTHING. People often create these little illusions of safety, but when the veil is pulled back you realize how uncertain the world really is. So, instead of living in fear that one day the curtain will be pulled aside...


take the RISK and learn the skills you need to combat uncertainty.


Hugs and butterflies, everyone,
~T~

[yellow]

Thanks for posting that.

I seem to preach this a lot but wonder if I'm walking the walk. What have I missed by not taking the risk? Hmmm. Good thing to mull over. Of course when I'm mountain biking, there is a fine line between "risk" and "stupidity". I'm a pretty sucky mtn biker!

I am training a bunch of co-workers right now for the MS 150 ride and most of them have never done more than a toodle around the block. I have one guy in particular that seems to blame his fears and insecurities on everybody else (including me). I finally had to give him the speech...told him it was about HIM and he needed to decide if he was ready to put his toes over that line of comfort (that is, take the risk of) . He's come a long way since I had the talk with him, but he's still kind of a princess. :p

[Wahine]

Thanks for sharing that.

It's an interesting thing to ponder.

[tulip]

Good timing for me to read that post. A few years ago I took a huge risk in order to find happiness. After years of "is this all there is?" I allowed myself to listen to my heart and soul (and told my practical, descended-from-Puritans mind to just shut up for a while). It's been an incredible journey; extremely difficult at times, but indescribably rich and meaningful.

Yesterday I received a letter from my ex. He's still full of anger, resentment, bewilderment that I pulled that illusion of safety from under his feet. Here come all those Puritans breathing down my neck again, telling me that it was just better to just put up and shut up and keep the peace! It's hard to keep them at bay sometimes.

[IFjane]

Good timing for me to read that post. A few years ago I took a huge risk in order to find happiness. After years of "is this all there is?" I allowed myself to listen to my heart and soul (and told my practical, descended-from-Puritans mind to just shut up for a while). It's been an incredible journey; extremely difficult at times, but indescribably rich and meaningful.



Oh my, Tulip! I could have written this......best of luck to you.

I am having similar issues (though no direct contact from ex - it is through our children....neither of whom have a good relationship with him), because I am now remarrying and he can't stand it....

[lph]

All in all, taking risks is a reminder that nothing in life is certain. NOTHING. People often create these little illusions of safety, but when the veil is pulled back you realize how uncertain the world really is.

Oh, very nice. Thank you!

I've been doing a little uncomfortable risktaking on several fronts the last week and I needed that.