What I have come to learn from this quote is that I need to replace “others” with my very own self. The quote carries a very different energy:

Risk more than I think is safe.

Care more than I think is wise.

Dream more than I think is practical.

Expect more than I think is possible.

 

In the same way, though, it is equally important to be free of attachment to the responses of others and the judgments they may hold…or my fear of their judgment.

 

There is always such balance that needs to be attained on this journey of awareness, consciousness and empowerment. Risk isn’t about being foolhardy and rash in decision-making. To me, risk involves stepping out of my comfort zone and doing something that carries potential for growth and discovery. Risk may be having that really uncomfortable conversation, knowing that the outcome is uncertain. Risk may be turning down students or gigs that could bring in extra money because it is no longer in alignment with my professional intentions. Risk may be declining an invitation because time alone is more necessary. Granted, there are risks that are ‘bigger’ than the ones listed, but they are risks just the same. Risk takes me out of my comfort zone…which can feel a bit scary and unsafe. However, each time I take a risk, it always yields growth and connection. The nugget to remember is that the growth isn’t always comfortable at first. It takes time to integrate.

 

Caring is another action that is incredibly broad. Caring may be related to a topic, like the environment or politics or feminism. How much will I allow myself to care about a topic? What level of involvement will I step into? What are the possible ramifications of my actions? Do I care enough to risk? Caring may be connected to our beloved pets. How much do I care about an animal whose life span will most likely be shorter than mine? What level of investment will I make because of caring for my pet? Caring may be connected to a choice made. Am I willing to follow through? Do I have the capacity to be gentle with myself, caring enough for myself, if my choice is rejected or resisted? Caring may also be connected to other people. How far am I willing to go for another person? How much am I willing to sacrifice? Where is the balance between my needs and theirs?

 

The trend continues with the scope of dreaming. Dreaming can be as commonplace as how a meeting unfolds during the day or as broad as what life will look like in five years…ten years…or longer. When I sit with the concept of dreaming, it is closely meshed with what is in alignment within. Personally, I don’t hold the idea of a “dream job”, “dream relationship” or “dream life”. To me, those phrases bring a sense of falsehood and superficiality. To me, dreaming involves being in tune with what resonates within and holding the intention of bringing it to life. What limiting beliefs do I need to shatter? What old habits are getting in my way? What steps can I take in this moment to bring my dream to reality? One step at a time…that’s all I ever need to do.

 

Expectation is a tricky word for me. I tend to avoid it like the plague. Expectation tends to lead to attachment to a specific outcome. I have taken the liberty to shift the last sentence to say “Be open to more than I think is possible.” What needs to happen for me to be open to receiving? Back to limiting beliefs…what beliefs do I need to release to embrace openness and receiving? What needs to shift in order to acknowledge my worthiness to receive?

 

These are all questions worth exploring. Be curious. Notice what comes up and be present with it instead of pushing it away.

 

Risk.

 

Care.

 

Dream.

 

Be open.

Posted in Awareness, Boundaries, Connect, Courage