Taking Risks

I was trying to think about what todays post would be. So much on my mind during these crazy times. COVID-19 and its impact on life; small business struggles far and wide; Politics that have made things even crazier. All worth topics and subjects that I spend time thinking on often.

However, what has really be dominating my mind is taking risks. I would certainly describe myself as someone near the middle of the risk taking scale. Short of a few crazy things (like paddling to Alaska alone with little to no experience), I think I try and balance risk with knowledge to sit right around the middle.

So what then is on my mind. What is keeping me up at night and making me stress as it relates to risk? Well, the answer is all about pushing through boundaries that have been created around me. Most, if not all, are the result of things I have done. Largely driven by a sense of duty or fear of hurting others.

But, as I sit here approaching the year 2021, another year gone by, my list of things that I want to do and accomplish and experience continues to grow. Along with that list is a real sense of failure, of looking back and thinking damn, I should have done more, could have done more. To this end, for me, it is about risk.

2021 is the year that I am going to take some big steps, personally, professionally, romantically, physically. In order to do this, I must accept that their are inherent risks in trying to move beyond the status quo. Without taking on these risks, change simply won’t happen — I won’t be able to move forward.

Thus, I have put in place a serious of actions that are all focused on pushing me through my fear so that I stare risk in the eye, make smart decisions ,but in the end move forward with what is important to me. These actions began with this journal, an attempt to simply write and share and hopefully connect. Next up is a winter on the road where I intend to explore new photographic endeavors, both on land and in the air. I will base in the midwest, a place where I have friends, but no home or work lined up. I will live out of a car or a tent and perhaps a hotel or a friends place as I attempt to start a new chapter in my life.

Full of anxiety and excitement, I look forward to embracing the risk, stepping into my fears, learning to say no as much as yes.

Peace,

G-