Risk...

I was spending some time this morning pondering the comments under my post 'Why Is It' and the topic of Risk was brought up by Kelly.  It got me thinking about this, and how true it is.  Why the fear of taking on a risk can keep us from doing that which we so desire.  Whether that be an adventure like mine; a relationship decision; business decisions that move companies forward; or the myriad of other decisions we face daily in our lives.  I find that there is much to compare when I look at my expedition experiences and these questions.

For me, the fear of risk, of taking a chance, began to overpower my life.  It began to make me incapable of deciding on paths to follow and then simply trusting that I would find the way.  I spent months planning and thinking of this expedition, but in the end, the simplicity of paddling off of that beach on May 3rd, trusting in myself that I would not get lost, was really all I needed.  Each day, new risks were seen and evaluated.  Each day, I chose a path, and I trusted.  As the days went by, my ability to make these decisions quicker and better grew.  While I was undoubtedly learning new skills and creating a new awareness of the environment, I think there was something greater at play here.

What I was really doing and learning, was to just DO.  To just TRUST.  DOING and TRUSTING allowed me to move forward each day.  I became fond of saying to  others, I just don't do BACKWARDS any more.  Now, realize, I took this to an extreme, often paddling for hours looking for a campsite when I had just passed a perfectly good one.  Knowing that I could paddle backwards for simply a couple of minutes and be warm and cozy.  Instead, I made it a rule to always move forward, to never go back.  In 147 days, it NEVER failed me. 

So my lesson, and how it applies to others is this.  There is risk in everything we do, in every decision we make.  The fear that somehow comes from the thought of risk can be overwhelming, and often it leads us to no action or even worse, moving backwards.  Trusting yourself and the outcome of decisions is difficult at first, but then a silent strength begins to take hold.  Suddenly you find that you can calmly evaluate things; make a decision; and move forward.  Always moving forward, having strong faith that whatever happens is the best possible outcome, is a very powerful tool for all to use. 

I came to be fond of this expression, and I shared it with a friend just the other day.  It goes something like this:

"Imagine you are faced with a decision, a choice, a path.  Follow it to where it leads you, no matter the outcome.  Sit and reflect on the thought that You Were Never Not Going To Be Here".  Now some will take this as religious, others as spiritual, others as just goofy Glenn has beenn in the wild by himself for to long...  But however you see it, spend some time thinking about it.  If you can embrace it, then risk suddenly becomes a much easier thing to overcome.  For now, you are free to make those decisions, to follow that path, because in the end, You Were Always Going To Be Wherever You Ended Up.

Peace & Love,

G-