photo credit: Best Heliskiing Canada
“You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen.” ~ Paulo Coelho
Lance writes stories from his heart, aiming to inspire and motivate, as you align more fully with YOUR true peak. When he’s not here, you can find him hanging out with his family, riding a bike, or just generally acting goofy.
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LoL! Lance, this very thought was on my mind this entire weekend
If we don’t take risks, I think it allows that little opportunity for regret to slip in and I really wouldn’t want that.
Ricardo Bueno´s last blog post..Failure Makes Us Stronger!
speaking of things I resolve to do in the new year
email me if you think of it…
MizFit´s last blog post..We interrupt your Sunday for the MizFit Commenter O’The Month (DRUMROLL PLEASE):
Hi,
Really nice picture.
Great…
Psychic
Bendz´s last blog post..Benefits of Yoga through Meditation – 6 Benefits of Yoga through Meditation
Life is a risk! Just getting into a car to drive is a risk, but we often don’t think about it. Great quote for Sunday!
BINGO!
My thoughts exactly — what’s life without taking risks? What about the notion that if you leap, a net will appear? I’ve experienced that numerous times — it’s amazing.
I love that quote — thanks for brightening up my Sunday with that.
And by the way, you’d be surprised how people define risk. When I first told my brother about learning how to fly years ago, he said, “Wow, that’s risky!” But in his garage he had a Harley Davidson motorcyle — you’re more likely to get into an accident than a plane crash!
Interesting perspective hmmm?
Stephen Hopson´s last blog post..End of the Week Gratitude Theme #56
Nice quote. Very encouraging to stay positive. I’m taking a risk with something..might do it in Christmas eve.
suddenly slimmer´s last blog post..Basic Crunch Exercises
Risk…Some people want to play life safely. When they do I believe they are deciding to live in mediocrity, never allowing passion to blossom. Risk.…well it is risky. You may win and then you may lose. If you lose, learn from it so you don’t make the loss useless. If you win, who knows what you get to experience. It may open the doors to something wonderful. You may get to experience life at a new and exciting level of understanding. You know, it was only after the Israelites took the risk to step into the waters that God parted the seas for them to cross into the promise land.
Great thought. My dad always taught me to “never be afraid to fail.” In order for good things to happen we have to take chances.
Blake´s last blog post..Weekend Edition of Stuff for You to Read
Taking risks “allow the unexpected to happen” — so true! But sometimes the unexpected happens (crisis) and that may also lead us to take risks. (I think I just turned this quote on its head.)
Looking for Bailey the Reindeer in the photo, Lance, but he must be just out of frame.
Beautiful way to start the day — thanks!
Linda Abbit´s last blog post..Funny Fridays: Because It’s Better to Laugh than to Cry!
Without risk there is no gain.
I go now to e-mail a venue about my CD release. Risking falling flat on my face I press on with this thing.
Jannie´s last blog post..A Biggie
Absolutely! Take a risk and experience your true potential! Awesome!
Some people evolve to view all choices as risks. They fear change. Other people evolve to transcend the concept of risk altogether. These are the people who choose to live in the mindset of fearlessness. They are not controlled by uncertainty. They surf it like a wave to new kinds of joy.
Liara Covert´s last blog post..Ram Dass & 5 ideas to access your authentic self
That is so very TRUE. In fact, I am taking an unexpected RISK right now!
meleah rebeccah´s last blog post..Dear Santa,
I tell so many people about wanting to help companies with their work happiness and they just don’t get it. It’s a risk that I’m willing to take. Just because they don’t get it now, doesn’t mean that it won’t be popular in 5 years.
Karl — Work Happy Now´s last blog post..Great Leadership Requires Great Communication – Duh!
Hi Lance,
Another wonderful quote! Yes, some let the fear and all the “worries” about the uncertainty cripple them. I love a quote my husband has posted up at his Tae Kwon Do dojang though we don’t know who said it, “Worry is negative goal setting”… I am a BIG believer in taking risks and trying new things. I feel life would be a bit dull without risks! I would never have known I could do half the stuff I can do if I had left fear win out! Thanks Lance!
Jenny Mannion´s last blog post..I took the Vow of Non Violence, will you?
Lance, I think of all the different risk-inherent activities and find there’s a common denominator, a single point all the risk can be narrowed to—heart. Giving our hearts. Putting our all into whatever it is involves our heart. Whether it’s trying something new and daring or creating something or even loving someone, we can’t be enjoying all we can unless we just dive into it with HEART. If we all lived our lives, every day, intent on opening our hearts—risking vulnerability, criticism, rejection, failure, unmet goals, sunken souffles and burnt toast…whatever—giving our hearts to every single moment, then no matter what we are doing, we are living well and beautifully. Living less that this, living less than risking putting ourselves “out there” is such a waste of opportunity for experiencing all amounts and flavors of joy.
Julie´s last blog post..“A Flower for the World”
Another great one, Lance! Thank you!
blessings and a joyous Monday,
CG
CG Walters´s last blog post..CelebraZine 13Dec08
This reminds me of the song Wide Open Spaces (Dixie Chicks) that I kept hearing in my head this weekend…“She needs wide open spaces, Room to make her big mistakes…”
Stacey / Create a Balance´s last blog post..Celebrate Your Life Friday! 12.12.2008
@Ricardo — Very cool — we’re on the same wavelength… If you really asked yourself what is worse, regret or failure — the honest answer is most often regret being worse. You never know what could have been…
@MizFit — Sure…
@Bendz — Thank you!
@BC Doan — There are lots of risks we take each day, and don’t even think about. Driving in a car is a great example. It’s the risks that can affect us at our core, though, that can be the most difficult to do — things we don’t do every day. And that’s the real challenge, to take on risks that challenge us in new ways…
@Stephen — Great thought, Stephen — the idea of leaping and the net will appear! It’s easy to let fear grab us — we don’t see a net to catch us — and not take the risk. And yet, doesn’t the net usually appear? Yes! And, your story of the airplane vs. the motorcycle — that is an interesting perspective! It’s sometimes all in how we perceive things…
@Suddenly slimmer — I wish you all the success in the world, Alia. Taking risks can be scary, and yet, how else will we ever know for sure…
@Laurie — Taking risks really does let our passion blossom — so very well said Laurie! If we take a risk, one that really matters to us, then I think we win — whether we win or lose at this risk. It’s a win because we’ve really taken ourselves to a place we want to be at. And that’s pretty awesome!
@Blake — That’s great advice Blake — “never be afraid to fail”. It’s great advice, and yet, it’s also difficult to believe sometimes… Yet if we do — life is only full of new and endless possibilities!
@Linda — You have just flipped this on it’s head!! And it’s a great point you bring up Linda — sometimes it take something unexpected in our lives to really shake us to our core. And sometimes, even though it may not seem like it at the time, this can be on of the best things to happen to us. And, Bailey, I’m sure he’s just out of the picture!!
@Jannie — …And yet, if you don’t take this risk Jannie — think of the regrets you might have later. Forge forward, go for it, risk falling on your face — it is all so worth it!! You are so worth it!!
@Mark — Thanks, Mark!
@Liara — Getting to that mindset of fearlessness — what a great place to aim for! While I don’t know if we ever fully get there, to the point of being completely fearless — we can certainly evolve to where we do embrace the risks we take in our lives. And this can be powerfully freeing.
@Meleah — Some risks are unexpected, and some are more planned. I wish you the very best, Meleah, on this unexpected risk in your life right now…
@Karl — Sometimes we try something and it just falls on deaf ears. And yet, that doesn’t make the idea any less awesome or possible. In fact, it is probably just that it is such an unknown to people, that it is “different”, that it is not the status quo. And that it involves change. This is a risk you should continue to take — I love the idea of work and happiness going hand in hand together! Keep pushing forward with this Karl — take the risks — and the rewards WILL come!
@Jenny Mannion — That’s a great quote Jenny — the idea of worry being negative goal setting. How true. It’s like letting the worry take our goals and squash them down. And when our goals get squashed down, we won’t be taking any risks to take our lives to new and exciting places. I think fear will always be with us, yet it’s something we CAN overcome! And when we do, great things can happen in our lives! Thank you Jenny!
@Julie — That’s a wonderful point you make Julie! It is just so true, risk does involve our heart. When we really open our heart up to what is possible (including the burnt toast!) — amazing things can happen. We DO get held back because of the fears you’ve mentioned — vulnerability, rejection, etc. — and yet, how often are those fears real? And living with our heart, really opening up, what a great way to live our lives!
@CG Walters — Thank you!
@Stacey/Create A Balance — Great example Stacey! Making our big mistakes — there’s nothing wrong with that — in fact — doing it means we ARE taking risks in our life — living with our heart, and really embracing what life has to offer!
Excellent thought Lance!
I have directly and indirectly experienced stagnation and know that it does NOT make living life to the fullest possible. Taking risks on the other hand leads to growth and in my mind growth is what each of us is seeking at the inner level.
Risks do not have to be necessarily dangerous but boy do they make life unpredictable and exciting!
Thanks Lance — this post got my passion juices for life flowing
Evita´s last blog post..The Voices of Angels Around Us
Hi Lance: I’m a big believer in taking risks, and that has allowed me to have a lot of different experiences which I would have missed if I had been more risk adverse. Of course, a really big risk I plan to take this coming year is one you’ve already taken: jumping out of a plane
Yes Lance, Life = Risks.
If we don’t dare to take risks, it means we don’t dare to have a life.
Very cool quote.
Arswino´s last blog post..Bend, but Don’t Break
Fear of the unknown is one of those things that keeps us small. I love that taking risks allows us to expand, and see that it’s not that risky if you believe in your ability to handle the risk. (I don’t mean taking silly risks like driving dangerously under poor conditions!)
Nathalie Lussier´s last blog post..7 Reasons Why Trusting Yourself Will Improve Your Health
Hi Lance. One thing I know about taking risks is that when I feel uncomfortable when stepping out of the comfort zone, I know I’m alive!
Davina´s last blog post..Future Self Meditation Invites Guidance
Great quote Lance.
I believe it’s important to believe in ourselves and to take risks. Holding a mind full of positive beliefs will support, encourage and propel us forward.
When we start taking risks, jumping on opportunities and accepting challenges amazing things begin to happen; an amazing life unfolds and at the center of that is an amazing person.
Namaste
Peggy
miruspeg´s last blog post..Namaste
You discover the impossible when you take a leap of faith! Love your quote!
Evelyn Lim´s last blog post..How Validation Can Help You Attract Abundance
@Evita — Thank you, Evita! Stagnation, I wonder if we all haven’t experienced this. And, it really is the opposite of risk and growth. And another great point — risk does not mean danger. Absolutely true!
@Marelisa — And these experiences you had over the years, they have really made you who you are today! And that’s awesome! Jumping out of the airplane — woohoo!! You’re going to have so much fun (and maybe be a bit scared — I was!!)!
@Arswino — With risk, there is the possibility for failure. Yet, isn’t it also a failure if we don’t take chances, and really life the life we desire! Thanks for the perspective — the idea of really daring to have a life we desire!
@Nathalie — Expanding, growing, discovering — it’s risk, but not risky! Nathalie, that is so well said, risk can be so good, even when things don’t turn out the way we had hoped. Thank you!
@Davina — It’s good to feel uncomfortable sometimes, isn’t it! Great perspective Davina!
@Miruspeg — I love the way you’ve used the word “amazing” here, Peggy! It’s like the risk helps to bring out the ‘amazing’ that is within each and every one of us. Very awesome!
@Evelyn — It sure can be a leap of faith — and yet, like I think was mentioned earlier — the safety nets come out to protect us when we take these leaps! And that’s very comforting when we’re really putting ourselve out there…
Risks make us stronger and we actually get to feel more alive than when playing it safe.
Tom Volkar / Delightful Work´s last blog post..Pump Up Your Personal Power
Great quote !
Bunny got Blog´s last blog post..What We Learn From Failure
Oooh yes! We have to step out of our comfort zone and see the world and experience life to get anywhere and really BE something.
Very true. People always talk about the big ones. Like bungy jumping or moving to another country. But life is full of little risks: to be rebuffed when you try to talk to someone, to get a no when you really want a yes, the asking for a promotion… I believe that ‘risk-taking’ becomes easier the more you do it. I lived on my own when I was 17 and moved to a foreign country when I was 19. Everyone was so impressed: my friends because they were jealous and adults because they did not understand how my parents would allow this. I do understand their reaction now and I am grateful for my parents to have let me take my own risks at a very young age instead of overprotecting me. It like with learning a language. The earlier you start, the easier it goes
I speak 7 by the way — haha!
Mindful Mimi´s last blog post..10 ideas, 10 convictions — part 2
I so agree with this! It’s very good to get out of your comfort zone!
Caroline´s last blog post..Getting back to center
Beautiful thought. Amazing how bumping around on the web you can find thinks so applicable to your life. Thank you.
Ivory´s last blog post..Aluminum Can Ornaments
Yes, that seems to be me these days. A risk taker. Now, I am awaiting the unexpected to happen.
Great quote…as usual Lance!
Cricket´s last blog post..I like…
Hi
Without taking risks, we can’t grow and expand and really live life to the full
Juliet
LifeMadeGreat | Juliet´s last blog post..What To Do When Someone Is Unpleasant Towards You
@Tom — And that feeling alive is a pretty cool feeling, isn’t it! …if we can just get over our fears…
@Bunny got Blog — Thank you Bunny!
@Sagan — Yes! Our comfort zone, while being a very comfortable place, is also a place we do want to get out of sometimes. There is such a wonderful and exciting world out there, just waiting for us to discover her…
@Mindful Mimi — That’s an excellent point. Oftentimes, we think of risk, and think of the big risks people take. And those are all good and worthy. Yet, it’s the smaller risks, the ones that present themselves much more often, that are truly how we have our greatest impact on really stepping out of our comfort zone and “going for it”. Thank you, Mimi, for sharing that angle! And, wow, very cool of you to have experienced so much at such a young age — I’m sure it all left you with a spirit of adventure and of living life to the fullest. And, seven languages — very, very cool Mimi!!
@Caroline — Yes, getting out of our comfort zone — even though it is not always “comfortable”, it is so good for us to do…
@Ivory — I’m so glad you found this applicable to you Ivory. And, yes, I too find it amazing how sometimes we “hear” just what we neeed to, and just at the right time…
@Cricket — Way to go Cricket, that’s awesome! The unexpected…why do we “expect” it sometimes?? That’s a great thought…
@LifeMadeGreat | Juliet — That’s right, if we’re not taking risks, we’re not really growing, and really getting the most out of our lives… Thanks, Juliet!
Hi Lance — You always find the best quotes. I find when I’m taking a risk I’m growing the most. It’s scary, yet exciting and I can’t wait to see where it leads me.
Barbara Swafford — Blogging Without A Blog´s last blog post..NBOTW — It’s More Than A Funhouse
Hey Lance,
First of all it’s a great idea to just post a quote on Sundays, to keep the day’s workload light in terms of blogging.
Secondly, the quote is so true. My blog was a risk for me because I’m so new to the blogging world and didn’t even know what blogging was all about. I just jumped in to learn something totally new, and I’m so glad I did. I’ve met many bloggers because of this, nice ones like you included!
Daphne´s last blog post..Planning For The Year Ahead (Part 2)
I’m not a risk taker! Though as BC Doan pointed out getting into your car and driving is a risk! But then again, I’ve been told that picking up stakes and moving from NY to Florida without jobs or a place to live was a risk. Hmmm funny how some things don’t seem risky to me, but do to others and vice versa, such as riding a roller coaster, to ME that’s a HUGE risk. Fear of heights has a lot to do with that one!!! Maybe in other peoples eyes I am some what of a risk taker.….does that count? LOL
Natalia Burleson´s last blog post..Today.
This is awesome advice!
A reminder I truly needed today!!
Tabitha´s last blog post..Speaking Faith Into Others
GREAT QUOTE! THANKS FOR SHARING!
Hi Lance,
Life without risk and spontaneity is drudgery and stagnation. I will admit, though, that sometimes I don’t always feel like taking a risk. Thankfully, that is not every day!
SpaceAgeSage — Lori´s last blog post..Your kind of neighborhood … or not?
Great quote!
It’s strange. I’ve always found the big risks to be pretty easy. It’s the little risks that are hard for me.
Mama Zen´s last blog post..Be Fire Smart
In order to be fully successful, you must be willing to go to the edge of failure.
chris´s last blog post..I Shall Return
Back in my native Canada, I resonate differently with this photo of powder white snow. I have been asking Mother Nature when she plans to bless us with her next winter storm. At the moment, it risks to be a green Christmas in my neck of the woods.
Liara Covert´s last blog post..3 Ways to benefit from the vortex affect
Just checking in! Hope you are doing awesome!
i love taking risks! Especially professionally. I always shoot really high, and if I fail, who cares– it was a long shot anyway, but if it works, its the greatest feeling in the world.
I just go by the rule: you never know unless you ask.
Kelly Turner
http://www.everygymsnightmare.com
Kelly Turner´s last blog post..How Do You See Yourself?
@Barbara — Thanks! Risk sure can be scary, and yet, as you said — it’s also usually very exciting (and so worth it!).
@Daphne — Yes, a Sunday quote is an easier post to put together! This was a risk for me when I started, too, Daphne. And, yet, it’s really turned out to be an adventure that has been so good for me! Sounds like the same for you, and isn’t that cool!
@Natalia — What’s interesting, Natalia, is that what you have done — most would consider a risk. Maybe you’re really comfortable in who you are, and really believe in what is possible — if that’s the case, that’s very awesome! I think you’ve taken on some very big risks, and handled them with much poise. Fear of heights…yep, that’s a fear for me too! And you bring up another great point — we all have differnt things that we consider a “risk”. So, sure — it counts! You ARE a risk taker!!
@Tabitha — Glad to hear this with both useful and timely for you Tabitha! Have a great day!!
@Rupal — Thanks!
@SpaceAgeSage/Lori — Good point Lori. Risk, while good to have some in our lives, is not something we should have constantly. Sometimes, stability is just as important. That’s where balance comes into play…
@Mama Zen — Thanks! I wonder if the big risks are easier sometimes because we really focus on them to make them happen. Whereas, the smaller risks, they sometimes aren’t as “planned” and we’re just not ready for them…
@Chris — The difference between failure and success is sometimes just getting around one more obstacle. We can be so close to success, and not realize it…
@Liara — We’re getting our wish tonight — snow, snow, everywhere!! I’m sure our Christmas will be white! Hoping yours is too…
@Mark — Life is great, thanks Mark!
@Kelly Turner — Shoot high — I love that idea Kelly! Take some chances, sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t — and yes, when it does, what a feeling!!
Lance — as always, great quote! Isn’t it funny how something so seemingly simple as a quote can have such an impact on our lives. This one immediately take a personal inventory of whether or not I’ve been taking enough risks! AHH!
Jamie´s last blog post..A Teen Texting Trend All Parents Should Be Aware Of
Quit a job to reach for the stars. Leave a relationship with no hopes of anything new on the horizon. Believe in yourself. Learn how to walk. How to run. How to fly. Life, by definition, IS risk. But it sure can get scary at time!
G.
Grace Kleppin´s last blog post..150 ways to be mindful in the next 24 hours
True true, you never know if it’s bad or good until it’s done and it’s better than staying still.
Joy´s last blog post..The Furrier and Me
@Jamie — It makes me think the same thing, Jamie — am I taking enough risk in my life? Honestly, I think I need to be taking more…
@Grace — Life is a risk. And sometimes the biggest risk of all, is in NOT taking those risks that are in our hearts… and yes, some sure can be scary!
@Joy — That’s right, you never know. And yet, a risk not taken might be an even bigger risk. Especially if it’s a risk that really speaks to us…
Risks are scary things. I know I am not good at taking them, unless they are really dangerous, like walking on top of a 30 foot digester at a treatment plant on a path of concrete 18 inches wide taking pictures. If there is a form of danger I am so in for it, but personal risks are way too scary sometimes.
Jenny´s last blog post..My Christmas Spirit
Jenny, yes — risk can be scary! And…you’d never catch me up on an 18″ wide path 30 feet in the air — no way!! Personal risks can feel the same way at times — and yet, when we take them, we are usually surprised at where they lead us to!