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Sometimes You Have to Take Risks

"A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for." — William G.T. Shedd


In Case No One Told You Today…

Playing it safe won’t always get you where you need to go.

Yes, there is comfort in the familiar. Yes, there is security in sticking to what you know. But growth doesn’t happen inside your comfort zone. Dreams don’t come to life in spaces where fear has the final say.

Sometimes, you have to take the risk.

The risk of failure.The risk of rejection.The risk of stepping into the unknown without knowing exactly how it will turn out.

Because the truth is, if you always wait until you're fully ready, until the timing is perfect, until the fear is gone—you may be waiting forever.


Fear Wants to Keep You Small

Fear has a sneaky way of disguising itself as wisdom.

It will whisper things like:

  • "Maybe this isn’t the right time."

  • "What if it doesn’t work out?"

  • "What if people judge me?"

  • "What if I’m not good enough?"

But let’s flip the script:

  • What if this is the right time?

  • What if it does work out?

  • What if people’s opinions don’t matter?

  • What if you are already enough?

Fear will always try to convince you that staying where you are is safer. That standing still is better than taking the risk. But safety is not the same as fulfillment. Comfort is not the same as purpose.

You were made for more than standing on the sidelines of your own life.


The Truth About Risk

Risk doesn’t mean recklessness.

It doesn’t mean throwing yourself into something blindly without thought or preparation. It doesn’t mean ignoring wisdom or responsibility.

It means betting on yourself.It means stepping forward even when you’re scared because you know that staying where you are isn’t an option anymore.

And here’s the thing—taking risks doesn’t always mean you’ll win.

Sometimes, you will fall.Sometimes, things won’t go the way you planned.Sometimes, the risk won’t lead to the outcome you hoped for.

But even then, it will teach you something.

Because every risk you take strengthens you. Every step into the unknown builds resilience. Every time you bet on yourself, you become someone who is willing to try—someone who refuses to let fear make their decisions.

And that kind of courage? It will take you further than fear ever could.


How to Take the Leap

If there’s something you’ve been hesitating on—something calling you forward that you’ve been too afraid to chase—here’s where to start:

  1. Get clear on what you truly want.Are you holding back because you’re uncertain? Or because fear is convincing you to stay small? Name what you want. Own it.

  2. Ask yourself: What’s the worst that could happen?Is failure really the end of the world? What if failure is just a stepping stone? What if the real risk is never trying at all?

  3. Start with small, calculated risks.You don’t have to quit your job, move across the country, or make a giant leap overnight. Start with one step. One action. One small move toward what you want.

  4. Reframe failure as learning.Every risk you take—whether it leads to success or failure—teaches you something. The only true failure is never trying at all.

  5. Trust yourself.You are stronger than you think. More capable than you realize. You don’t have to have all the answers right now. You just have to take the first step.


Your Life Is Waiting

The life you want? The dream you’ve been holding onto? The version of you that you know you’re meant to become?

It’s on the other side of fear. It’s waiting for you to take the risk.

Not for someone to give you permission.Not for everything to feel safe.Not for the timing to be perfect.

For you to decide that what’s ahead is worth stepping into the unknown for.


Reflection Exercise:

What is one risk you’ve been avoiding out of fear? Write it down. Now, write down three small steps you can take to move toward it. Then, choose one to take today.


Affirmation Statement:

"I am brave enough to take risks. I trust myself to handle whatever comes next. I will not let fear keep me small."


And in case no one told you today—your life is waiting. Take the leap. 💛

 
 
 

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