For years I described myself as risk averse. I like to plan, to avoid unexpected negative circumstances, to protect my heart in relationships and those of the people I love.

Who doesn’t appreciate those things?

The problem is, claiming all of that means I think I’m in control, when I most certainly am not. There are things I can control, like how I treat others, what I bring into my home, or the companies I support. But I also think I began claiming that I didn’t like to take risks. We come to believe what we say about ourselves, so if it isn’t positive, we can begin to have a lesser perspective of who we are, what we have to offer the world and what we can accomplish. We start listening to voices that aren’t true or those that matter, and that then flows into other areas of our life.

Jump ahead a bunch of years, into motherhood to 3, job transitions, general overwhelm and anxiety that threatened to stop me in my tracks, I started a business, pursued relationships even when they felt hard and took on volunteer roles that I did not feel equipped for. When I continued to call myself risk-averse, a dear friend challenged that and reminded me how I made tough decisions for our family and our finances, how I vulnerably put myself out there, both in one on one conversation, and starting a business selling handmade decor and organizing in people’s homes when I had no background in business. I was surprised. I HAD done these things with conviction, yet still claimed fear. This conversation was one step towards moving more towards freedom - to take risks knowing that failure was surely possible - maybe people wouldn’t buy the things I made, or trust me to help them in their home, or even tell me I was terrible at something. Maybe they would say no to being in relationship with me, not follow me on instagram, or not understand when I said “no” to a night out because we were working on paying off debt (more on our debt free journey later…)

I AM a risk taker. I bet, so are you.

And why is it important to take risks?
How does taking risks relate to our simple and intentional living journey?

Life throws us some crazy curveballs. Taking risks is connected with hope, and belief that God has good things for me. It has spurred me and my family on to making room. To clear the clutter and the schedule in a way that builds in energy reserves for the “risks” that require courage for me - like a networking event, or volunteering for something new, or putting a new service out in the world, or even writing a blog post that people I don’t know may (or may not) read. To do these things, not for anyone else (besides maybe setting an example about risk-taking for my kids), besides myself. And to be open to the growth that occurs when things don’t go perfectly, or even very well at all.

A space I organized for sweet friends in Massachusetts in 2017

So, friends, be encouraged. If you are doing your best with your kids (because who has all the answers there anyways?), if you are going to interviews for jobs you want but don’t feel qualified for, if you are having conversations with strangers, if you are praying for open doors to love your neighbors well, if you are trying new things in your business, you are making yourself vulnerable in a purposeful, growth-oriented way…three cheers!

Here’s to more. More love-worthy risk and more hope.