I like to do stuff that really gets my heart beating.
No, I don’t kayak the ocean or climb big mountains. Put my life at risk.
You think I’m crazy?
Not my thing.
I like to step out in life. You know, take chances.
Calculated risks.
Hey, if you don’t think it was a huge risk to move to California in 1984, a place where I knew no one and had no job?
Well, you’d be mistaken. But I took a chance.
Overall, it was a good move.
At the time, though, it looked like it could be a dumb one.
And it was a bigger risk than you might think to reconcile with a man 26 years after our divorce.
Now THAT got my heart beating. Definitely didn’t have a saddle for that.
But here’s the thing:
Life is pretty forgiving of most screw-ups, as long as you pick the risk carefully.
Here’s my test: I ask myself, “What’s the worst thing that could happen?”
And if it’s tolerable?
I’ll ride that wild horse all the way to the end.
It’s a test that’s always worked for me. I highly recommend it.
I am trying to be more like this, stepping out of my comfort zone more and more.
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I think it’s a good way to be!
At this age, I think, “What do I REALLY have to lose?” and I find myself doing more and more things I won’t have done years ago, when perhaps my bladder would have held up better!
Funny how age can change our perspective, isn’t it?
Keeping that bareback rider image in mind. If not now, when do we/I step out of the comfort zone and try something new, different and possibly rewarding. Thanks for the Monday morning pick-me-up, inspiration for the week.
penpen recently posted…Six ways to insure the family vacation is fun for everyone–most of the time.
I love the question, “if not now, when?”
A great philosophy. I often wonder what happened to get you and your ex to reconcile after so long…..that’s a story unto itself, I’m sure.
Claudia Schmidt recently posted…Makeup For Women 40+
It’s the subject of the memoir I’m struggling with.
My daughter taught me the same mantra (what’s the worst thing that could happen?)…also, partnered with “what’s the best thing that could happen?” I use it all the time. Also, kind of love the idea of any risk being analogous to riding without a saddle. Thanks for the Monday morning motivation.
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I love “what’s the best…”!
A great inner voice to have. I love the picture and image in my mind.
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I love the concept that bareback doesn’t have to mean climbing mountains.
I like asking the questions, “What’s the worst that could happen?” because it gets me to be aware of my fear and then assess that fear.
After a series of setbacks in my 20s, I left the life I had and resettled in Japan. Turned out to be such a year of growth. Like you, I’m so glad I’ve learned to take calculated risks.
Lori Lavender Luz recently posted…How to Set Boundaries in Open Adoption
It makes for an interesting life!
I like how you roll Carol! Everyone’s comfort zone is a matter of degrees isn’t it?
It sure is!
You’re spot-on with this! What’s the worst that could happen… seriously? (Unless, of course, you ARE talking about kayaking the ocean.) 😀 I love the “bareback” imagery. I’ll keep that in mind as I continue to strive to challenge myself more, do the things that scare me. Thank you for the inspiration!
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I would like to be more of a risk taker. It’s just not in my DNA.
I believe it’s possible to do some genetic modification! 😉
I wish I could be that brave. I worry about everything and I do mean eveything! I am ready for a change I just haven’t figured it out yet!
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My mom was a world-class worrier and I have some of her neuroses. But she was all about “all the reasons why NOT” and I swore I’d be about “all the reasons WHY”. I’ve been true to that, too. Even as a neurotic~!
Something I am working on every day. Thanks for the inspiration!
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Let me know when you next jettison your saddle!
Love your philosophy! Gotta keep stepping over the line to dance the dance of life!
Ellen Dolgen recently posted…Are You Emotionally Free??
Ain’t it the truth!
Love this analogy! Sure works for me!
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Yeah, but Diane, you live on a ranch. You can actually do the real thing!
Love this post! I am so impressed that you reconciled and had the courage to take that chance. You are a woman of strength…a role model for us all!
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We are all role models for one another, don’t you think? 😉
When you fall off a horse, get back in the saddle. Or if you’re really adventurous, go bareback. Love it!
😉 bareback it is!
Boy do I want to hear more about this reconciliation with your ex. Fascinating!
Shannon Bradley-Colleary recently posted…10 Apocalyptic Signs a Peri-Menopausal Woman Needs her Meds
😉 ask anythingyou want! LOL
Always taking risks. Some pay off, others well.. learning experiences. 🙂 Great post!
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So true, Crystal.
Love your attitude, you cowgirl, you!
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😉 yeehaw@
Oh yes! I’m riding bareback right there beside you!
Marcia @ Menopausal Mother recently posted…From Empty Nest To Full House
Welcome,sistah!
Love that philosophy. For some reason the song “Riders through the Storm” from the Doors popped into my mind. Maybe it was the horse reference:)
Estelle recently posted…About My Other Ex
Loveit!
But you really should try kayaking!
Janie Emaus recently posted…God Bless Kayaking
I’m not much of a risk taker with physical challenges, Carol, but emotionally I take a lot of risks. And I’m happy to report that they pay off!
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