True Failure is Never Risking Anything at All

By nature, I am not a risk taker.  I like to know the outcome of the steps I take.  I like to be sure I will succeed in whatever I do.

I read this inspiring post from Kate at Centsational Girl earlier in the week and just had to share it.  She writes about "the dangers of risk taking" - and makes the point that the consequences of taking a risk are often more positive than negative or "dangerous."  At so many points in life, you know what you want, but it's scary to take a chance and have faith that you are doing the right thing.

I wanted to let Kate know how her post struck me, so I left a comment saying: "Thank you!  This post is just what I needed to hear... I have some exciting plans in the works and can't wait to see how following my heart turns out!  Your post is true inspiration :)"  [I'll share more about my "plans" in the coming weeks...]

Maybe it's dorky, but I was excited when she responded: "Great Melissa, go for it ! be brave!!!"  It's wonderful to receive encouragement, even from someone I have never met.

Read her full post (and check out the fabulous vintage table she recently updated)... I promise you will be inspired.  Here's a little taste of what she has to say: 

Taking risks is courageous and dangerous.  And it should be celebrated. 

 

Beware the dangers of risk taking!

Strange things might happen to you. 

You might stand out from the crowd. 

You might discover hidden talents.

You might venture into the unknown by trying something new. 

Then you will learn something new.  

You might fail, but true failure is never risking anything at all.

Then surely you’ll discover something about yourself you never knew.

Then you’ll be proud of yourself.

You’ll be more interesting.

You’ll have a story to tell.

And that alone is amazing.

Taking a risk usually means your heart is talking to you, saying “Do it.”  But then your head quickly answers back “Don’t.”  Consider that a good risk is when your heart says “Go for it!” and your head says “Are you sure?”  That’s OK. That’s where you want to be.  The best kind of risk involves both an equal amount of sense and passion.  Those are the kinds of risks worth taking time and again.

Today, I encourage you to go forth and live dangerously!  Do something that completely scares you.  Be courageous.  Go against the trend.  Bet on yourself.  It will guarantee one thing for sure, you’ll have less regrets when you look back on your life.  Paint your walls that bold color.  Sell your house.  Write that novel.  Change jobs.  Teach yourself something new.  Stretch out of your comfort zone, take a leap of faith, believe in yourself.

A view of Chicago 10.9.10