Taking Risk: Lessons I've Learned

I have the opportunity to be the mother of two healthly and active boys.  That's another way of saying that they are rambuncous, busy, extremely active, need to get out and explore, BOYS!  I love writing things in the nice professional way, but sometimes the accurate picture is what works best.  I share this with you, because yesterday we went to our local park at the Midwest City Welcome Center in Midwest City, and I watched them play in new ways at the park.

This is a ritual that we have at least two to three times a month, so I often wonder does it ever get boring, or will they find new ways to explore.  As a mom, and former preschool teacher I really believe in letting children experience play on their own, creating an environment, and then letting them go at it.  I intervene when necessary, making sure they make good safe choices, are mindful of those around them, and that they stay in the designated area.  Yesterday was the same.  I watched them play from the park bench, reading my book, A Thread of Truth by Marie Bostwick periodically looking up to see what they were in to.

Here's what I saw:

What's amazing is that just a few months ago, they worked at the same feats, with caution in their eyes, and not as much fearless confidence.  This is what drew me to the topic of risk-taking.  In researching risk, it means to venture upon; take or run the change of. to risk a fall in climbing, to risk a war.  Taking risk is necessary for mastery of skill and to see what the possibilities are in accomplishing the task we are given.

I am reminded of myself in high school and a defining moment presented by one of my teaching.  As a child, I always did what I knew I could accomplish, never venturing out to the new.  As a high school student, I ran for the student council secretary, because it 's a job no body ever wanted, and I knew I would win.  I was good at it, but still it wasn't a challenge.  After a span of time, doing what we know we can do, becomes daunting, because of the lack of risk and opportunities for learning.

So, given this history and my experience, let's issue a challenge for this month, to look at your life and the amount of risk-taking that is apparent.  Join me and let's try the following this month:

• Examine your life, in each role you walk in and identify what risk you take.
• In the role, ask yourself these questions: 
• Am I a risk-taker? If so, how is it evident?  
• When I take a risk, am I forced or is it a natural path I choose?
• What happens to me when I take a risk?
• Do I avoid risk-taking?  If so, why?
• Do I choose the safe path in my role as a wife, mother, worker, entrepreneur, leader(ask yourself the question based on your roles)?
• What are lessons I've learned as a risk-taker?
• How can I encourage risk-taking in others?

Share your responses in the comment section or on our facebook page link.

#take action