Every decision we make carries some degree of risk. We can choose to stay where we are because it feels safe, although safety is often an illusion or we can listen to our intuition and take a chance on something that might change our lives.
I’ve carried this poem with me for many years. I return to it often especially during tough times whenever I feel afraid, full of self doubt or uncertainty. It reminds me that there are no guarantees in life but one thing I know is this:
“Doing nothing can sometimes be the greatest risk of all.”
For me, this poem changed my perspective on risk and continues to inspire me whenever I need the courage to take another step.
To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach for another is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To place your ideas, your dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair.
To try is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing and is nothing.
They may avoid suffering and sorrow but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love and live.
Chained by their certitudes they are a slave, they have fortified their freedom.
Only a person who risks is free ……..
(William Arthur Ward)
This poem reminds me that none of us knows how much time we have.
As Robert Bolt wrote:
“Death comes for us all, even for kings he comes”
This quote isn’t meant to be frightening it is a reminder to live. It encourages me to honour my dreams and desires that have been placed in my heart instead of waiting for that “perfect” moment. I have learned that putting myself first is not selfish in fact it is quite the opposite. When I take care of myself, I have so much more love and positive energy to give to those around me.
Age is just a number
You can take risks and reinvent yourself at any age. As long as your are breathing there is still time.
Age is only becomes limiting when we believe it is.
So why limit yourself ?
Whatever dream is in your heart , give yourself permission to try. You may stumble , you may fail but you will also learn , grow and discover strengths you never knew you had .
Rachael Reflections
“There was no ideal time. There never is “
I took a risk and I went and enrolled at the college of psychic studies when my daughter was only 6 months old.
I was exhausted, living with MS, caring for a baby and often in pain . Part of me wondered whether I should wait until life felt easier but I chose to listen to my intuition instead of my fears. I also had to ignore the doubts of other people and trust that this was the right path for me.
Looking back, I am so grateful and glad I took that leap of faith. It has changed my life in ways I could never have imagined.
Dear Wellness Warrior,
Ask yourself:
What might become possible if you took one small risk?
Life is short and life itself is a risk. So why not give yourself permission to take a chance on the things that truly matter to you ?
You just never know where taking that one brave risk might lead.
I hope this poem and my reflections encourage you today to keep moving forward one step at a time.
With love
WW Rachael xx
