July 11 – The Power of Taking Risks: A Personal Journey

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” Zig Ziglar

Life is a constant dance between comfort and challenge. We crave stability, yet growth often lies on the other side of our fears. Taking risks isn't easy, but throughout my own journey, I've discovered its profound impact on personal growth, the pursuit of opportunities, and ultimately, a more fulfilling life.

One of the most valuable lessons I've learned is that failure isn't the end, but a stepping stone. As Bill Burnett and Dave Evans in Designing Your Life point out, "when obstacles happen... you can turn any change, setback, or surprise into something that can contribute to who you are becoming." The decision to separate from my husband and become a single mother was undoubtedly the most significant risk I've ever taken. It involved a complete restructuring of my life - finances, living arrangements, and most importantly, the way I parented my son. There were countless moments of doubt and fear. Would I be able to provide for my family on my own? Could I handle the emotional toll on myself and my child? Inevitably, there were setbacks. Juggling work, childcare, and emotional support was a constant challenge. However, each hurdle offered valuable lessons in resilience and resourcefulness. I learned to prioritize ruthlessly, developed a supportive network of friends and family, and discovered a strength I never knew I possessed. As Rick Hanson suggests in Resilient, "being able to tap into a fierce, feral intensity makes a person more resilient." Those early struggles ignited a newfound determination to create a safe and happy life for my son and myself. Today, we are a stronger, more independent unit, and I can confidently say that the challenges I faced along the way were instrumental in shaping our path.

"Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary.” Cecil Beaton

Taking risks isn't just about overcoming adversity; it's about seizing opportunities. Allison Shrager in An Economist Walks into a Brothel reminds us that "smart risk takers don't back away from risky situations... they measure the risk involved and then take only as much as they need in order to get what they wanted." This quote resonated deeply with me as I navigated the legalities and logistics of separation. Leaving behind the security of a two-income household was a big decision. However, I carefully weighed the risks and rewards. I created my own financial plan, researched best practices to create a stable environment for my son, and ensured I had the emotional support system in place to move forward. Taking this calculated risk allowed me to create a healthier, more secure environment for us. It opened doors to personal growth and independence I wouldn't have experienced otherwise. It also set an important example for my young son.

“Whatever you choose, however many roads you travel, I hope that you choose not to be a lady. I hope you will find some way to break the rules and make a little trouble out there. And I also hope that you will choose to make some trouble on behalf of women.” Nora Ephron

John O'Leary, in his book, In Awe, laments that "our focus as individuals seems to be less about how much we can accomplish together and more about getting through the day." Taking risks pushes us beyond the mundane and allows us to create a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling. While there's comfort in the familiar, it's often the risks we take that lead to the most enriching experiences. Becoming a single mother forced me to redefine my identity and rebuild my life on my own terms. It was a daunting yet ultimately rewarding experience. The balance of family, my friends, and even my in-laws, gave me unexpected support and camaraderie. I discovered a newfound appreciation for my own strength and a much deeper bond with my son. We learned to rely on each other, navigate challenges together, and celebrate our victories as a team.

Taking risks isn't for the faint of heart, but the potential rewards are vast. It's about embracing challenges, seizing opportunities, and ultimately, living a life less ordinary. As Shrager reminds us, "we face risk every time we make a decision about the future." The key is to approach these decisions with a calculated mind and a "ferocious" spirit, knowing that even setbacks can be stepping stones on the path to growth and fulfillment.

Journal Prompts:

Reflect on a time you overcame a fear or setback. How did it change you? What did you learn about yourself?

What is one thing you've always wanted to do but haven't because of fear? What steps could you take to make it happen, even in a small way?

Imagine your ideal job or life situation. What risks would you need to take to get there? What steps can you take today to move closer to that goal?

In today's increasingly digital world, it's easy to lose sight of what makes us human. The constant bombardment of screens and social media can distract us from cultivating essential qualities like kindness, empathy, and resilience.

My book, Nurturing Hopeful Resilience,  guides parents and caregivers through the challenges of raising children in a technology-driven age. It explores the importance of instilling strong values in children from a young age to help them develop into compassionate, responsible, and fulfilled individuals.

Through a series of practical exercises and insightful reflections, this book delves into fourteen core values: curiosity, awareness, kindness, learning, self-awareness, fairness, playfulness, compassion, service, belonging, trustworthiness, authenticity, community, and responsibility. Understanding and nurturing these values can empower our children to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.

This book offers a roadmap for raising children who are academically successful, emotionally intelligent, socially adept, and morally grounded. It encourages readers to prioritize human connection, empathy, and compassion over material possessions and fleeting digital distractions. By embracing the power of values, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.