July 14 – Navigating Risk-Taking in Life and Society

“Happiness comes from the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy simply, to think freely, to risk life, to be needed.” Storm Jameson

In the pursuit of personal growth and resilience, Julie Smith, author of Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?, advises against letting shame define us. Instead of seeing setbacks as personal failures, Smith encourages focusing on specific behaviors or actions that lead to challenges. She emphasizes that shame, though painful, is a normal human experience that can be managed through self-soothing techniques. By reframing how we perceive and respond to failure, we can cultivate resilience, learn risk-taking and continue our journey of personal development.

“Love is everything it’s cracked up to be…It is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for.” Erica Jong

Smith also stresses the importance of vulnerability and trust in relationships. She argues that hiding feelings of shame only creates barriers and isolation. Sharing vulnerabilities with trusted individuals fosters deeper connections and builds trust. In relationships where honesty and acceptance thrive, the support and accountability from friends help us learn from mistakes and grow emotionally. This openness not only boosts personal development but also strengthens relationships, creating a supportive environment for taking emotional risks.

“Change is the only constant; hanging on is the only sin.” Denis McCluggage

McKayla Coyle, in Goblin Mode, critiques societal norms that restrict diverse human experiences. She metaphorically describes individuals as mushrooms in a meticulously maintained lawn, highlighting how conformity can isolate people. Coyle advocates for embracing communal risk-taking by celebrating diversity and challenging societal norms that hinder inclusivity. By encouraging individuals to express their unique perspectives and take collective risks, communities can evolve into more inclusive and supportive environments. This inclusivity fosters social progress by challenging outdated norms and promoting acceptance and mutual respect.

“The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities. We need [people] who can dream of things that never were.” John F. Kennedy

Reflecting on the global impact of risk-taking, Allison Shrager, in An Economist Walks into a Brothel, discusses its broader implications. She argues that effective risk analysis skills are often overlooked in formal education. Shrager asserts that everyone has the potential to be a proficient risk strategist. She emphasizes the importance of fostering environments that encourage calculated risk-taking and innovation. Such bold decision-making, she argues, drives innovation, shapes political landscapes, and catalyzes societal change, enabling societies to address complex global challenges and achieve sustainable progress.

The essence of risk-taking spans personal growth, relationship dynamics, community cohesion, and global impact. By embracing risks in ourselves, our relationships, our communities, and the world, we open doors to new opportunities for development, resilience, and positive change.

Activity –

Storytelling Circles: Join storytelling circles where participants share personal experiences of failure, resilience, and growth. This practice not only helps in reframing setbacks but also strengthens empathy and understanding within the community.

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.