by Stacey Valley, Miss October 2015

This month’s theme is RISK. Risk is defined as “exposure to the chance of injury or loss; a hazard or dangerous chance,” and so it often comes with a negative connotation. However, I like to think of risk in a more positive light — as an adventure.

 

A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.

John A. Shedd, Salt from My Attic, 1928

 

Adventures are exciting. There’s a sense of anticipation at the unknown around the corner. Maybe you’ll discover a new favorite place, a new friend, or a hidden strength you didn’t you know you had inside yourself.

 Adventures also come with obstacles. Maybe you’ll fall down, experience a loss, or make a huge mistake. But you won’t know if you don’t try. You can’t experience your full potential without the gamble.

Most risks I’ve taken have proven to be worth it. Probably the biggest risk for me was adopting a baby as a single woman at age 40. It was scary, and I had plenty of naysayers. But here I am six years later, and I can’t imagine my life without this precious girl. My life is richer because she is a part of it, and I know she feels the same about me.

 

What were you made for? What is it that your heart longs for, but you are too scared to try?

 

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.

T.S. Eliot