Comments on: Steering Clear of “Safe”

By: The Power of People Who Are “Down” | Small Hands, Big Ideas

The Power of People Who Are “Down” | Small Hands, Big Ideas — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:06:18 +0000

[...] beeker’s are overflowing too. We suck the risk, goodness and fun out of life and maybe we do “more” than the average person, but it works for us and makes life so damn enjoyable. On the flip side, I’m learning. [...]

By: The Element of Surprise | Small Hands, Big Ideas

The Element of Surprise | Small Hands, Big Ideas — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:24:38 +0000

[...] JUST how life works. I had let myself get too comfortable with one piece of my life and forgot to expect the unexpected, even in my everyday [...]

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:46:05 +0000

@Akhila Don't you worry, you have been transitioning and taking your own risks! Isn't it exciting to see when we begin to take risks that the next risky leaps don't seem as daunting. It definitely seems to be the case with you! I can't wait to hear more of your stories and good luck

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:46:05 +0000

By: Akhila

Akhila — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 10:19:38 +0000

Grace, I'm so sorry I haven't been commenting lately! I've been so busy and it's sad that my online life is falling behind..

But back to the topic, I loved this post! Because, I completely agree. While I haven't taken the MOST risks in my life, I certainly have tried to challenge myself and do things that help me grow and make me more confident. Usually this involves some amount of risk – these types of moments help you grow the most and help you evolve. I've taken the decision to study abroad for a whole year, and then randomly move to Switzerland for a summer internship – a place where I know no one and don't know the language. But, the experience has been phenomenal. After my year+ abroad I feel so much more ready to tackle the world, and I have become so much more confident in my own abilities.

I'm looking forward to more risks in the future, more change, more challenge, because like you I know it makes me a better and stronger person!

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:20:51 +0000

@OpheliasWebb I'm glad that you have this quote on your desk. No matter how you react and live your life, it's inspiring! I like that you mention risk taking is important to access as well (like any action). Some people really fly by the seat of their pants and end up worse off than they were before and those that are safe, can go for the jump sometimes too. There's always a balance in life.

I will say one thing about risk–when you want to test out the 'temperature' of the water, you can test it out, ask all your friends what they think, read about it, research, etc. but you yourself will never really know the tradeoff or what will happen unless you really JUMP in yourself. That's the part about risk, considering the leaps you're taking doesn't always help you in the long run…Great thoughts, I love it!

By: opheliaswebb

opheliaswebb — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:01:12 +0000

Well, I suppose it's not much of a surprise that I am not a risk taker at all. For me life is thought out, calculated…I was the 5th grader sitting beside a 2nd grade Ryan checking out what everyone else on the playground was doing before jumping in. I'm one of those people that even when I'm sitting quietly just chewing a pencil eraser, I'm taking in the whole situation and figuring out where to fit in. It's part of my thought, it's part of who I am…I'm a thinker and a planner and a plodder.

That being said, I have the quote you started this post with on a frame on my desk. I think it's important to realize from either side of the fence the importance of at least looking at the grass on the other side. For those that are leapers and risk takers it's sometimes important to consider at least some of the steps you are going to take. For the plodders and safe folks, sometimes you gotta jump and see where the wind takes you.

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:41:39 +0000

@Andrea I'm glad this resonates with you. I think risk excites all generations somewhere deep inside, but a lot of people are afraid to embrace it.

The word 'energizing' is very powerful and a great way to describe risk. The energy outweighs the fear. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing. From one risk taker to another, cheers!

By: AndreaLearned

AndreaLearned — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:37:40 +0000

This so resonates with me, Grace. I've lived a similarly risk-taking life (though never realized that's what it was until a few years ago) and have found it completely energizing and worth the scariness. I wonder if I was born in the wrong generation (very last year of Boomer)?

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:31:04 +0000

@Jackie Great point. I really noticed that high school and college were really planned out. Although there were risks in between and I ventured off far to college, I still had a plan that I was in college for X amount of years, studying X and I could base it off each semester, break, etc. Now post-college, I'm realizing there is even more potential for risk than I thought possible.

You're very right that you're able to grow more as a person when you put yourself in unexpected situations and branch out. Well-said! Thanks for sharing and stopping by