my two cents on risk, failure and other mumbo jumbo

As I see it, when there exists a risk, we have two options.

One: upon encountering risk we may cower and back-out for fear of failure and dissolution. Therefore, continuing down a road that we have assured ourselves is safe and secure, for this path, we know well. In turn, terminating our ability to grow, change, and pursue our most challenging endeavors. 

Or...

Two: we make a calculated decision to pursue endeavors that will hopefully bring positive change into our lives. When we choose this route, we encounter many unexpected teachings along the way and often, in retrospect, find that the journey was very different than perhaps our initial expectations indicated. Risk brings with it knowledge and growth of the inner-most self. When we choose to confront risk, it causes us to look inward rather than focus on the dangers that surround us. 

Keep in mind, failure to grow as a result of fear is different than contentment. To be content is to be happy with what one has in one's current state. By nature humans seek to obtain more, from their journey (or life), and otherwise. Are you ready for a medaphor (oh how I love a good one)? Life is similar to the action of squeezing a sponge; a sponge that we will squeeze time and again. With every squeeze we produce a bit more water, which represents our experiences. However, the sponge isn't meant to become larger just as our material belongings shouldn't exceed our needs. Do you wash your dishes with a gigantic sponge? I didn't think so. Often we gather so much that these possessions become toxic once they accumulate beyond our control.  People who wish to have more sponge (materials, for those of who still need clarification) tend to miss out on the obscure, underlying messages in life. Be content with the material possessions you currently have (your sponge... *ugh*), but go ahead, keep squeezing that sponge a little at a time. Perhaps you will be surprised by how much you get out of it, as well as the quality of your water.

So you see, it is risk that creates growth. Fear of the unknown is the very thing that keeps us from pursuing our goals. 

And so, I end here with a simple quote. One I find to be quite appropriate.

"There is nothing to fear, but fear itself." 

And bears... Definitely fear bears.

Namaste.

*•~.,.~•*•~.,.~•*•~.,

P.S. If you responded to this by saying or thinking "YOLO," ("you only live once") you have probably (completely, ENTIRELY) missed the point (lol). My message is not to become reckless and jump off "cliffs," so to speak. Do, however, take care of your body as it is the vehicle (vessel, temple, whatever you want to call it) which has been given to you in order to travel your own unique, individualized road.