How many of us can honestly say that we live our lives to the fullest. That we are ready and willing to embrace life wholeheartedly; taking advantage of all the opportunities that come our way. Not many I am willing to wager. Particularly, as we get older becoming fearful of trying new things and doubting our ability to learn anything new. So we cling on to the routine and security of our lives with a vice like grip. It may be that the last time you took a chance, things went wrong, and scared you so much, you vowed never to do anything remotely risky again. Safe is fine, but it isn’t living.
Firstly, to assume that one wrong decision or error of judgement by you, means you are incapable of doing something right, is wrong. Loss of confidence is understandable, for a while. But it should not be something that continues to affect you. If you run away from anything different or challenging, you will never build your confidence back up again. Just like when you were a child and you fell off your bicycle – and your mum told you that you had to get back on again straight away. This is also true of life!
There is great comfort and a feeling of security to be had, from having a familiar foundation in our lives. Our family, friends and loved ones. Knowing that we have this, should for the most part, enable us to take a chance on doing something different in other area’s of our lives. Try a new hair style, or learn a new skill or hobby. Mix your routine up a little more. Go to places you’ve never been before. By opening up your options, you are creating the space for new and exciting things to come into your life. If you become too rigid in your routine and habits. It is like building a wall around yourself, that nothing can penetrate.
There is rarely someone who has not taken a gamble on something in their lives. The most common way is often through our relationships. Not all are straightforward, and sometimes we have to trust someone who we do not know that well. Or trust that they will do what they say they will. Putting your heart into someone else’s hands for safekeeping, is probably one of the riskiest things we will ever do. At no other time are we as vulnerable. Sometimes, things do go wrong. But when they go right, it is often the best decision we have ever made. By allowing the heart to overrule the head, we are throwing our futures into the hands of the universe, destiny, kismet – call it what you will. But it is definitely a leap of faith, and one in which we make accepting fully the possibility that things might not turn out as we’d hoped they would, but are willing to take that chance.
Taking a gamble on life, is not throwing your life away, or behaving in a rash and impulsive way. It is simply a willingness on your part, to allow your life to unfold naturally. To not force anything, nor run away and hide. Life is full of wonder and adventure. Within you is a wealth of untapped potential. How will you know what you are capable of, if you are not prepared to stretch yourself or move out of what is safe and familiar. Life is for living, and if that means taking a risk or a gamble once in a while. Then don’t be afraid to do it. One day you will come to the end of your life. Make it one that was worth looking back on – and have no regrets!
