UBC Day 29 - Take a risk!





How will we know how great we could be if we don’t try new things and work towards difficult goals? Who knows? We might surprise ourselves and discover talents and strengths we didn’t know we had. We owe it to ourselves to take that risk. 

 Isn’t Alan Alda great? I always loved him as Hawkeye in MASH.

 As he wisely says in this quote, we don’t have to know what we’re doing and we can learn and make mistakes as we go along. I find that so freeing as I’ve often been inhibited from taking a risk because I thought I had to be an expert at something right from the beginning. 

 Long ago, when computers were clunky things that took up the whole room, a computer gave me music as an elective on my grade 9 timetable. I had asked for typing. Instead of changing it, I decided to take the risk of trying it and it turned out to be my favourite course in high school.

 When I first picked up the flute, I could barely get a note out of it. I’d blow and blow into it until I was dizzy and hyperventilating. But gradually it got better. I managed to hit a note and hold it. Then I learned another note and another. Before long I could play a simple tune and then I joined in with the band which I loved. All because I took the risk and kept trying to improve. 

I discovered something wonderful, a lifelong love of being involved in music. And I discovered in myself a talent and passion for music that I wouldn’t have known about had I not taken that risk.

Comments

  1. Swathi ShenoyJuly 29, 2014 at 9:18 AM

    You are absolutely right Cathy! We can never know our true potential unless we give anything a try.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJuly 29, 2014 at 10:01 AM

    A person should be risk taking to get to explore oneself only. Glad that you took that risk and ended up in discovering that musical talent!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Shailaja VJuly 29, 2014 at 11:03 AM

    Your stories are so inspiring. I love your never-say-die attitude and the fact that you are always willing to learn. Well done, Cat. Glad I know you <3

    ReplyDelete
  4. sulekkhaJuly 29, 2014 at 12:32 PM

    My father used to say, Take more risks...your post is so inspiring. I am learning new things as I grow older. Just completed two courses on crystal healing and Angel healing :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Loni TownsendJuly 29, 2014 at 12:39 PM

    Holy orange swirls! I guess it's been a while since I've visited. :)

    I'm often terrified of risks, but so long as I have support from loved ones, I'm willing to try.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Battered HopeJuly 29, 2014 at 4:34 PM

    I didn't know you were musical? Another likeness we have, SIS

    ReplyDelete
  7. beingFabJuly 29, 2014 at 9:49 PM

    I am generally averse to change, but this year, I started venturing into new territories and I'm happy to say that it's paying off. Even if it doesn't work out in the way I intended it to, it becomes a learning experience, making the risk worth it!

    ReplyDelete
  8. UnknownJuly 30, 2014 at 8:10 PM

    Hey Cathy

    First, I LOVE your site's name! #HUGSS

    Second, I LOVE Alan Alda's quote

    Third, I absolutely ENJOYED your relevant and timely post, considering that I just decided to take up some meditative art. Given than I am visually impaired and cannot even draw a box without shaky hands, this is a HUGE step for me. hehe

    But if you never embrace discomfort, you are never going to grow, right?!

    Much love
    Kitto

    ReplyDelete

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