Risk and Reward

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you finally did that one thing you have always been terrified to do. Maybe it’s auditioning for a play or raising your hand in class. Maybe it’s telling someone you like them or going out of your way to talk to someone new. There are little things in life that will trip us up and it is important to have the courage to work around the fear and do it anyway.

Why are people so afraid? Why don’t they just do it? Maybe they're worried about how someone will react. I know I won’t walk up to my crush and tell them I like them because I’m worried they’ll laugh in my face. Maybe they're worried about what other will think about them. I remember all the times I was terrified to speak in front of a crowd because I was afraid they wouldn't like me. Maybe they think a certain way about themselves because of years of societal pressure to think that way. Not many girls have the confidence to wear a bikini to the beach because they don’t have the “ideal body” society has described to them. I certainly  get nervous about being judged for the way I look. There are so many reasons to be frightened of doing simple things because people are worried

But isn't the reward worth the risk sometimes? Imagine how it will feel if you can look back in twenty years and remembering the day you told your spouse you had a crush on them. Think about how great it would be to get the main lead in a play or be able to sing the star spangled banner in front of everyone even though you were terrified to audition. Some of the world’s greatest accomplishments were done despite the fear that was felt. If America’s founders had been too afraid to sign the Declaration of Independence there would be no USA. If Rosa Parks had never started the bus boycott where would civil rights be? If great leaders throughout history had let a little fear get in their way then the world would be a much different place. It is easy to be afraid. It is harder to push through that fear, but it isn't impossible

"Safety is a myth. Risk is reality. Fear is the mind killer.     
Seize the day. Take the road less traveled. Dare to be different. 
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. The adventure is within.   
Boldness has magic. Take the first step" 

Maybe it’s time to take a risk! Maybe it’s time to go out and try something new and reach out of your comfort zone. Here’s my goal! I’m going to do at least one thing that scares me each week. I’m going to to take a chance and see if my reward is bigger than the risk I’m taking. This week I will venture out of my comfort zone and talk to a random student at my school and try to make a new friend. What about you? What risk do you want to take? What risks have paid off for you in the past?