R Is For...Risk
Taking a risk, finding the courage to dare is one of the greatest gifts that we can give ourselves. Risk makes us feel alive, brave and confident. As writers, artists and creators, making the decision to share the vision in our hearts and minds is a risk that has the potential for great reward and sometimes great failure. That great failure possibility is enough to stop many. It very nearly did me.
Here are some of my favorite quotes on risk taking. These inspired me on my path to publication and continue to inspire me every day.
"Risk! Risk anything! Care no more for the opinions of others, for those voices. Do the hardest thing on earth for you. Act for yourself. Face the truth.”
Katherine Mansfield
"Most people live and die with their music still unplayed. They never dare to try." Mary Kay Ash
"To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself." Soren Kierkegaard
"Behold the turtle. He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out."
James Bryant Conant
"Of all the people I have ever known, those who have pursued their dreams and failed have lived a much more fulfilling life than those who have put their dreams on a shelf for fear of failure."
Author Unknown
And from my girl Joan Jett,for all the ladies out there
"Girls have got balls. They're just a little higher up that's all."
Take a risk today and do something you've always wanted to do. See what happens.
WOW, great word "Risk!" Have to risk it to win it :) And I love Joan Jett.
ReplyDeleteJules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Excellent post. Brief and to the point!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your assessment of risk. To live life free from bold empowerment is not faithfully, a life LIVED for discovery. That's my own little quote, a totally spontaneous stab at the spirit of your post.
I loved all the quotes listed, particularly, "Most people live and die with their music still unplayed. They never dare to try." Touche!
Poor Rhoda. :)
ReplyDeleteRisk is a great word. Without it, would we submit? It does make me feel alive.
now Rhoda was definitely one ugly name, which is strange since all others so far were marvelous!
ReplyDeleteI find that I a risk taker only when it comes to my job.
Take a risk! Such good advice.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from A to Z...
Monti
NotesAlongTheWay
I love quotes. Here's one of my favourites, related to your point about risk taking:
ReplyDelete"When you say you fear death you are really saying that you fear you have not lived your true life. This fear cloaks the world in silent suffering." David Viscott
Ooo... I like that quote from Laurie Peel.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post today, Melissa - I'm right in the middle of risking and stepping way outside of my confort zone lately. It does make the air taste a bit sweeter.
@Jules "Have to risk it to win it" I love that thought and I am going to write it in my book of quotes that I keep for inspiration.
ReplyDelete@Matt I love your thoughts on risk. To live boldly is to live faithfully for discovery. Risk is what makes life worth living and we must empower ourselves.
@M Pax Hi! Yeah, poor Rhoda, that flame is pretty scary. You're so right without risk we would not submit and our stories would remain on the shelf or on our hard drives. Whenever I submit something new, I get this spark. I love that feeling.
ReplyDelete@Dez I am so with you on the name Rhoda. I liked all the other names, too. You courageously put your passion for all things Hollywood out on the Net and I for one, am glad you did. :)
@Monti Hi and welcome! So glad you stopped by.
ReplyDelete@Laurie This is a great quote and one I'll definitely be keeping in my own personal book. Very inspiring.
@Julia I loved her quote as well. Good for you stepping out of the comfort zone. Kudos to you my friend, take in a huge gulp of that sweet, sweet air. :)
Great quotes and a great reminder too. Love the Kierkegaard quote best.
ReplyDeleteKinda unpredictable R-post for me, but certainly a great one.
ReplyDeleteYou have to risk going too far to discover just how far you can really go :)
ReplyDeleteAnother constructive post for A-Z challenge, Mel!
Beautiful reflections. I think the risk is the first step not only to acquire and get the desire but to achieve personal freedom. Greetings.
ReplyDeleteGreat post and blog, Melissa!! Wonderful message in this post! Love quotes, esp. these!!! I took a 'risk' finally starting my blog last summer and then I took a class on 'Risk' last summer. It was awesome and really changed my life!
ReplyDeleteVery glad that you visited me, so I could find and follow you!!
Have a Great week, Melissa!
Hugs,
Coreen XO
@Lynda Thanks! The Kierkegaard quote is very powerful and strikes right at the heart.
ReplyDelete@Nebular Hi Sweetheart! This was a rather different post for me, but I'm happy you enjoyed it. :)
@Jaccstev Thank you! It is very true that you have to risk going too far to see how far you can make it. I learned that lesson the hard way. Glad you liked the post.
ReplyDelete@Leovi I love that thought. You are absolutely right that risk is a very important first step to see how much you want something.
@Velvet Coreen, welcome! I am so happy you found your way here. What an amazing experience to be able to take a class on risk. I was never much of a risk taker until a few years ago. I still move a bit like that turtle in the Conant quote, but I'm learning and there's no going back. ;) You have a great week as well. Hugs!