“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

-Anais Nin

Tonight I went on a stroll, and saw all of these lovely roses in various states of bloom (I’m starting to feel a bit flower obsessed lately). Flowers are beautiful, but I think this quote is even more beautiful to me.

Life is nothing if not a series of risks. Without risk, I would have missed out on some of the most important events and people in my life. Thus, even when it is hard and scary, I still wish I could remember each day to take some risks. Not stupid, reckless risks necessarily, but outside my routine and comfort zone.

This past summer, I’ve finally taken a risk and started submitting some stories I’ve written for various publications. It’s not the rejection I’m afraid of, its facing up to and trying something that is actually important to me. If someone doesn’t like what I write, its okay with me. What scares me more is actually trying to do something I’m passionate about.

But so far, taking the plunge and calling myself a writer has been the most affirming and rewarding thing I’ve done in a very long time.

So I’m glad I’m taking the risk, for better or for worse.

What risks have you taken? Are you a risk taker or more cautious?

Meri