The other day I opened a message from a daily inspirational message service to find this:
It’s no accident, Carol, that your courage often overrides your common sense. You wanted to be programmed that way. You also wanted it all.
Ok, so how did an automated service know me so well?
Have you ever heard the expression, fools rush in where angels fear to tread?
Yeah. That one.
I have to admit that more often than not, that fool has been me.
No sitting on the sidelines waiting for something to happen. No, that’s not who I am. I’m going to be the one who steps off the curb first and heads into the unknown. I’m the one who takes a chance. And I’m willing to deal with the consequences, too. Because we fools with an abundance of courage know there are consequences.
Of course, there’s no reason to have a daily inspirational message if you aren’t going to get something out of it. So let me break it down:
When courage overrides common sense, it means someone’s taking a risk, stepping out.
We decide what will happen in our lives before we our born. We choose our lessons, get programmed that way.
The only way to have it all is to take risk. Take a chance.
All of this came to mind the other day when thinking about a few women friends who are single but want to be in a happy relationship. Some of them are in relationships that do not satisfy–they are convenient. For whatever reason. What they all have in common is that fear of taking a chance. Of stepping off the curb into the unknown.
Several friends have dipped a toe into the online dating scene and when the results weren’t immediately promising they abandoned it as proof that “it’s not for me.” And it probably wasn’t. Because online dating does require the ability to step out into the unknown. It’s not always instantly gratifying. Online daters must have some degree of courage to persevere.
So, we can sit on the sidelines in the same unsatisfying life we’ve always had.
Or we can choose to take a risk. Take a chance. We can understand that when nothing is ventured, nothing is gained.
Or, as the California lottery ads say: You can’t win if you don’t play.
True! Being risk averse can limit a person’s opportunities. It can be scary to take chances but very rewarding. I didn’t get married until I was 34, and it happened after I decided to make myself more vulnerable by taking some risks. Scary! But effective!
I like this very much. I would add that with confidence as we get older, comes a stronger instinct that says when enough is enough so that we don’t waste time or miss other opportunities.
I also have a hard time likening a courageous, optimistic person to a fool.
SOUNDS VERY FAMILIAR, EVEN IN KANSAS WE TAKE RISKS, I PUT A N ADD IN MATCH DOT COM, UNDER WOMEN AT 61, MET LOVE OF MY LIFE AND AM VERY SETTLED FOR FIRST TIME EVER……GO ME!!!!
Being a chicken by nature is changing a bit as I get older. It’s tough to step outside my comfort zone. But as they say, no pain, no gain. I’m not single, but if I was and had to get back into dating, it would be really scary!!
Excellent post! Yes, if I hadn’t taken a chance with online dating in December 2002, I wouldn’t be married to the love of my life now!
Stepping out and taking risks help us move forward. You can sit in a car all day, but until you start the car and put it in gear, you won’t get anywhere!
I agree Carol! Taking risks has helped me reap great rewards, both personally and professionally, though I sometimes need a reminder (kick in the pants!) to push myself.
Rushing in can be foolish. Hanging back can be foolish. We just have to be aware of our selves, our inner being that connects to all, and act on our own advice.
Yep so cool that we are stepping off the curb, into the unknown and uncharted. Exciting and thrilling isn’t it? I just can’t imagine not wanting to find out what out there….
Happy Take a Chance Day! After being a single mom for 22-years I decided to give on-line dating a chance. There is a learning curve and once you figure out the red flags and weed out the losers you can actually have a good time. I decided after a year to take a break for a few months but decided to open one more e-mail. I ended up marrying that one at 48. I am so grateful my daughters talked me into getting over my fears and giving online dating a try.
I might have a relationship that doesn’t satisfy from time to time, but two kids and 9 years later, you really can’t walk away from that. Plus I made a lifetime commitment, something’s are what they are, but trying to find joy in your life in some way is so important.
This is very timely for me as per a business decision I need to make. And you are so right, you have to be in it to win it! Maybe, this is just what I needed to read. Thanks for your words of wisdom. That’s why I always enjoy reading your posts 🙂
I agree with you! You can’t win if you don’t play is very true. I am not a big risk taker but when I see inspirational messages I do try to come out of my comfort zone.
Oh, hello fellow risk taker. It has its pros and cons I agree. But I believe in the saying that it’s better to try and fail than to never have tried at all.
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True! Being risk averse can limit a person’s opportunities. It can be scary to take chances but very rewarding. I didn’t get married until I was 34, and it happened after I decided to make myself more vulnerable by taking some risks. Scary! But effective!
You are living proof!
I like this very much. I would add that with confidence as we get older, comes a stronger instinct that says when enough is enough so that we don’t waste time or miss other opportunities.
I also have a hard time likening a courageous, optimistic person to a fool.
The blessings of age are many if we notice them, like you do!
I always enjoy reading your spiritual posts. Your belief system is interesting, and I love your passion about it.
It took years to get to that belief system and now it’s just the way I think. 😉
SOUNDS VERY FAMILIAR, EVEN IN KANSAS WE TAKE RISKS, I PUT A N ADD IN MATCH DOT COM, UNDER WOMEN AT 61, MET LOVE OF MY LIFE AND AM VERY SETTLED FOR FIRST TIME EVER……GO ME!!!!
Great post Carol! I am always inspired when I visit your blog, thank you 🙂
So true, so hard to step out of our comfort zone, but we must.
Being a chicken by nature is changing a bit as I get older. It’s tough to step outside my comfort zone. But as they say, no pain, no gain. I’m not single, but if I was and had to get back into dating, it would be really scary!!
My daughter tried online dating for quite some time. So true that it takes a courageous person to stick with it.
Thanks for sharing positive thoughts and inspiration… again!
Excellent post! Yes, if I hadn’t taken a chance with online dating in December 2002, I wouldn’t be married to the love of my life now!
Stepping out and taking risks help us move forward. You can sit in a car all day, but until you start the car and put it in gear, you won’t get anywhere!
“You can’t win if you don’t play” applies to life so well. Right on!
I remind my self that losing puts me no further behind than not trying at all. So why not go for it?
Everything in life seems to be about taking risk, if you want to move forward.
I agree Carol! Taking risks has helped me reap great rewards, both personally and professionally, though I sometimes need a reminder (kick in the pants!) to push myself.
Your last line made me chuckle!
Rushing in can be foolish. Hanging back can be foolish. We just have to be aware of our selves, our inner being that connects to all, and act on our own advice.
I’ve never tried online dating but i know quite a few people who have had success with it! This was a great post!
Yep so cool that we are stepping off the curb, into the unknown and uncharted. Exciting and thrilling isn’t it? I just can’t imagine not wanting to find out what out there….
The comfort zone might be safe, but you quickly stop learning when you’re no longer being challenged. Great post!
I love that we have to take risks sometimes, but like you said we can’t just rush in though!
I like #3. Definitely true, you just never know what is around the corner!
Happy Take a Chance Day! After being a single mom for 22-years I decided to give on-line dating a chance. There is a learning curve and once you figure out the red flags and weed out the losers you can actually have a good time. I decided after a year to take a break for a few months but decided to open one more e-mail. I ended up marrying that one at 48. I am so grateful my daughters talked me into getting over my fears and giving online dating a try.
I might have a relationship that doesn’t satisfy from time to time, but two kids and 9 years later, you really can’t walk away from that. Plus I made a lifetime commitment, something’s are what they are, but trying to find joy in your life in some way is so important.
I think the “you can’t win if you don’t play” line is one of the best ever. So true!
This is very timely for me as per a business decision I need to make. And you are so right, you have to be in it to win it! Maybe, this is just what I needed to read. Thanks for your words of wisdom. That’s why I always enjoy reading your posts 🙂
wonderful perspective thanks for sharing 🙂
I am a chance taker. I like taking a chance.
I agree with you! You can’t win if you don’t play is very true. I am not a big risk taker but when I see inspirational messages I do try to come out of my comfort zone.
You are definitely not someone who is afraid to take risks! I would be the one to step off of the curb and get smashed by a bus!
Oh, hello fellow risk taker. It has its pros and cons I agree. But I believe in the saying that it’s better to try and fail than to never have tried at all.
Have a lovely weekend! 🙂
I often rush to things without thinking but this is just the way I am 🙂