RISK - The Joy Diet

This chapter of "The Joy Diet" on risk made me realize I haven't been much of a risk-taker in the past few years. Remarriage, a move and a demanding job have all made me less of a risk-taker. I find too, that as I age (almost 6 decades - yikes!!), I feel less willing to risk - at least physically.

There have been times in my life though when I wasn't afraid to step out and risk. When I graduated from teacher's college in "77, there were no teaching jobs in Ontario. So, I applied for, and got, a teaching job in The Northwest Territories. I stayed 3 years, had a son (as a single mom) and made lasting friendships.

After a year at home and still no teaching job, I left for a job in Alberta with my son. Many nights I cried - from fear, loneliness, money problems. But I stayed. I married, had a daughter, moved back to Ontario, had another son and went back to teaching.

After my separation, I met my present husband online. That was considered risky, but we were both very honest and have been together 9 years now.

The risks I hope to take now though, relate to creativity. I hope to pursue more and more art challenges. I took part in the Day of the Dead artist challenge (check my blog Oct. 31!).

Reading the quote at the end of the chapter really sums what risk is about. It made me realize that it is the things we don't do that we regret. I would say that I have had few regrets.

"At the end of my life, which will I regret more: taking this risk and failing, or refusing to take it, and never knowing whether I would have succeded or failed?"