Risks Worth Taking
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It was 2010 when the MTV show The Buried Life aired. The Buried Life followed four guys in their early twenties with a list of dreams they wanted to pursue. In typical early 20s guy fashion, this list included going streaking during an MLS game, pretending to be Cristiano Ronaldo to attend an award show, asking Megan Fox on a date, falling in love, etc. For every item they achieved, they helped someone else achieve a dream they had. Watching the show was inspiring, especially at 17 when anything felt possible. You, too, might remember when life felt uncertain in the best way. Then adulthood offers its own agenda of building security, including careers and homes, 401ks, and knowing the difference between a comforter and a duvet. While we need security to live, does it squash our sense of adventure? When was the last time you took a risk?

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Necessary Risk. While we crave comfort, satisfaction, and happiness, risk becomes an overlooked element for quality of life. Brené Brown defines vulnerability as uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure; we can't avoid these three things when it comes to being human. Neither uncertainty nor emotional exposure occurs without taking risks. Risk is the rooted element of everyday wonders. Risk is the breeding ground where love stories begin, trust builds, friendships form, art comes to life, and dreamers start doing.

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Risk vs. Regret. People more often regret things they didn't do rather than the things they did. In Daniel Pink's book The Power of Regret, he writes, "If our lives are the stories we tell ourselves, regret reminds us that we have a dual role. We are both the authors and the actors. We can shape the plot, but not fully. We can toss aside the script, but not always. We live at the intersection of free will and circumstance." Living at the intersection of free will and circumstance requires creativity. Creativity consists of expression and restraints. Just as an artist paints within the limits of a canvas, we find freedom while living our responsibilities.

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What would be your response if someone asked you what you dream of? What's it like to let yourself dream? I often ask my clients what this is like for them. They'll begin with a desire and quickly squash it with why it can't happen. Often, it boils down to three statements:

"I don't have money."

"I don't have time."

"I don't have energy."

(If I'm asking couples, change the I to we).

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Energy Generates Energy. Energy is the part of the plot we can fully shape. Often, we think of energy as an output that takes from us when energy is the life force that gives. You don't need much to do something slightly different, a bit more boldly, and take a small risk. Being brave and afraid happens simultaneously. Reenergize through risk and think about what you don't want to regret.

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Cheers to the risks worth taking,

Brittani