100 Steps Toward Happiness: Part 7

Hello, hello, and happy Thursday!

There's only three weeks left of 100 Steps Toward Happiness. Unfortunately I missed last week because of a busy work schedule. Thankfully, we're back on board this week!

I hope you've enjoyed it so far, so read on for 10 more happy things!


61.) Borrowing a siblings clothing and feeling like you're wearing something new. Luckily, my younger sister and I are very close in size for most things we wear (minus shoes and pants...). So whenever either of us feels a little bored with our wardrobe, we never have to fear! Because there's another wardrobe with all "new" clothes in it right down the hall. With a "Please" and "Thank you!" we can look like we just went shopping without dropping a dime or leaving the second floor of the house when we're home during the summers and winters. And I know I always feel happier wearing something "new!"

62.)  Childhood teddy bears and baby blankets. We all have them, even if we don't like to admit it. I'll admit, not only do I have a teddy bear and a baby blanket, but I also have a variety of other stuffed friends that live in my room in my mom's house. And whenever I'm staying with her, I'm not afraid to say that I DO have one or two (or all) of them keep me company!

63.) Guacamole. Seriously. This stuff is just amazing. I love guac, and every time my friends and I get together, we almost always make it and eat it. We buy tortilla chips specifically for the guac we make. It's ridiculous, but great. And guac always makes me happy.

64.) 20% tips. Serving again reminds me that when people leave 20% tips (or other generous tips) it makes me very, very happy. It makes up for some of the other crappy tips that people leave. And even though you might make 10% on most bills, those few bills that people leave more--definitely brings a smile to my face and makes me happy to know I served them well and with a smile.

65.) Surprising someone at the end of their shift at work. This actually works both ways. The other week, my boyfriend surprised me at work after I got out on a Friday night. It was late, around 12:30AM, and I was beat from running around at the restaurant... but as I approached my car and saw him sitting in his car next to it I suddenly found myself smiling and the happiest I'd been all day. There's something about being surprised by someone you love after a long, hard day that makes it all better.

66.) Trading books. A friend of mine is going on a cross country train trip fairly soon, and he and I started talking about books we love. He recommended a few to me, and I recommended a few to him. And when he told me about his train trip, I told him I'd give him a few books to read. I could tell he really appreciated it, because there's nothing quite like a good book.

67.) Bear hugs. I love bear hugs. When someone scoops me up into their arms and squeezes tight, I feel safe, I feel warm, I feel happy. It's good to feel loved, and getting bear hugs is a way of feeling that.

68.) Teasing a cat. Cats are hilarious. They may not be seen as loyal or friendly like dogs, but cats have their own way of making me happy. They're curious. They're playful is a nonchalant kind of way. They're independent and do what they want. And I absolutely love when you take a feather on a string and drag it across the floor and have a cat pounce along after it. It's enough to bring a smile to my face.

69.) Making fishy faces at fish in a fish tank. Okay, so maybe it's a little ridiculous. But have you ever tried it? Because it's really fun. Fish, while dumb and not as exciting as cats or dogs or other pets, are still entertaining in their own way, because they will float there in the tank, staring at you, making fishy faces right back. After all, it's the only face they can make. I used to have fish and I did this all the time. And while I realize that makes me a bizarre individual, it was fun and I got a kick out of it.

70.) Playing peek-a-boo with a baby. The other night at the restaurant I work at, I had a family come in with a baby. The baby was so adorable, and kept looking around and smiling and baby-chatting. He was such a lively little fellow, and at one point, I couldn't help myself any longer. I played peek-a-boo with him and he giggled and cooed and loved it. It made my night, and the family appreciated that I was attentive to not only the adults and older kids at the table, but the baby, as well.


Share your thoughts on happy things in a comment below. It might show up next week on the list!

Grieve and Move On

"You've always got two choices. One: You can swirl and twirl in gloom and doom forever. Or two: You can grieve and then face the future with newly sober eyes."
-Neil Pasricha

I recently watched a Ted Talk with Neil Pasricha about the 3 A's of Awesome.

You can watch it here.

Anyway. It got me thinking about the things in life that happen that we can't control and the things that hurt us and make us sad or upset or angry. But it also made me think about how life is still awesome, and that we can still be happy despite the terrible things that happen.

Just like Neil says: We can end up in gloom and doom forever, or we can choose to grieve and then move on and face what lies ahead. We can choose to leave what happened behind us, and look forward to the wonderful things in our lives.

There are a lot of things in life that I struggle with. Things that people know about, and things that people don't know about. And I'm certainly not the only one. We all harbor little things and secrets, and sometimes even big ones, that others in our lives don't know about because we choose to keep them hidden from others. But those people still love us, even if they don't know everything about us. The people in our lives are the reasons for moving forward. They help us grieve and then move on.

Quote Corner

Write it on your heart that every day is the

BEST

day of the year.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

YouTube Tuesday: True Friendship Never Forgets

If this doesn't just melt your heart, I'd be surprised.




Sometimes, all we need in life, is to reunited with an old friend who we love very much and will never forget.

Quote Corner

That it will never come again,

Is what makes life so sweet.

-Emily Dickinson

100 Steps Toward Happiness: Part 6

Welcome to another edition of 100 Steps!

This week, we're featuring all sorts of fun things from the summer time, like picking strawberries, feeding the ducks, and frozen slushies!

So read on, and enjoy!


51.) Nalgene water bottles. Why? Because they're awesome. Also, because they're good for the environment (no more pesky disposable water bottles!). Also, also, because if you buy one online, 10% of your purchase goes to help Japan after the horrible earthquake and tsunami they suffered back in March.

52.) Feeding the ducks. It's been a while since I have, but one of the best things in the world is feeding ducks stale bread. First, because stale bread is icky and ends up getting thrown out and wasted usually. Second, because ducks love stale bread and quack their thanks when you feed it to them!

53.) Picking strawberries. I got lost the other night in the depths of South Jersey only to stumble upon Johnson's Farm, a little local farm where you can "pick-your-own" fruit. Currently, strawberries are in season, and I saw a sign for their daily strawberry picking hayrides. Needless to say, I will be attending (and probably attempting to drag my boyfriend along with me) for some delicious, freshly picked strawberries!

54.) Catching lightning bugs in jars. The other night when I was leaving work, I saw my first lightning bug of the season. Granted, I probably should have seen one before the other night considering we've had summer weather for a few weeks now, but regardless, seeing it made me think back to how happy I was when I was a little kid catching lightning bugs in jars. And it also made me promise myself I would do that at some point in the near future!

55.) Icy cold drinks and frozen treats when it's really hot. I always feel instantly happier after being all sweaty and hot when I get to have a tall glass of ice cold water or a frozen slushy from a local water ice place. Nothing brings a smile to my face quicker than the delicious coldness after a day of 95 degree heat!

56.) Rolling down your windows and blasting your favorite song on a summer night. I love doing this. It makes me feel free and happy and in the mood for all the wonderful things summer has to offer. If I need to get into a good mood, I know this is one way to do it--and whether it's Ke$ha or Mumford and Sons (yes, I listen to Ke$ha) I know I can always count on feeling better after singing loudly along with my car radio.

57.) Eating outdoors. Summer BBQs are probably one of my favorite things in the world. There's nothing quite like a hamburger or hot dog with some good friends around in the balmy summer evenings. Plus, eating outdoors (whether in your backyard or on a restaurant patio) just feels right.

58.) The beach. The beach really needs no explanation. Here in Jersey, we call it "going down the shore," but whatever you call it, the beach is just fantastic. Sitting on the sand, playing in the waves, enjoying some iced tea, and throwing a frisbee around on the shore line is probably one of the happiest things about the summer time.

59.) Air conditioning. Everyone loves air conditioning when it's overwhelmingly hot outside and you can't seem to escape the humidity. Walking past a store front and feeling that blast of cold air, stepping into a house that has it going full force, or simply sitting in front of a window air conditioning after a long run all makes me feel better and much happier after a hot day of summer.

60.) Luaus. Summer seems to be the time to throw Hawaiian Luau parties. And you don't see me complaining, because they're a lot of fun! Amongst the Hawaiian leis, the island food, and the tiki torches you simply can't go wrong and have a frown.


Share some of the things that make you happy, no matter how silly, deep, relaxing or fun they may be! Your suggestions might just show up in next week's 100 Steps Toward Happiness!

Obsession of the Week: Ultimate Frisbee

This week, I'm obsessed with Ultimate Frisbee.

Let me explain.

I've been playing the game for over 6 years now, and after a 4 month hiatus from it, I'm happy to be back to playing the most ultimate sport there is. There's nothing like throwing a flick, catching a hammer, or running at full speed to catch that huck that your team mate just let fly down the field in hopes of scoring a point.

The game is unlike any I've played, and I've played a lot of sports in my time.

I've played soccer, softball, and basketball. I've ridden horses and shot archery. I've bowled, swam and even sailed. I play mini-golf on occasion, and I like to hit some golf balls on a driving range every once in a while. I won't turn down kickball, dodgeball, or wiffle ball. I've run track, thrown shot put, and even jumped the long jump.

However, nothing compares to the companionship of being on an Ultimate Frisbee team.
I wouldn't give up the sport for anything!

100 Steps Toward Happiness: Part 5

I hope everyone's Thursday is going well.
Here is the next ten steps toward happiness!

We're halfway there!


41.) Set a goal and do it. You know that thing you've been wanting to do for so long? That thing you keep saying that you'll start tomorrow/next week/next month? Well, write down your goal. Write down a timeline for getting it done. And then do it. Instead of continuing to put it off until some undetermined point down the road, start today. There's no time like the present!

42.) Do something spontaneous. Whether it's calling up a friend at the last second because you want to go get ice cream or going to the park and finding some people who are kicking a soccer ball around and asking to join them; whether it's surprising your family with dinner set on the table when they all come home or sending a letter to your grandparents for no particular reason; whether it's getting in your car and driving into the city for a day of antique window shopping or heading out to the countryside for a little alone time at a garden center--just go and do. Sometimes, it's good to be spontaneous and give yourself a little personal time that wasn't structured into your busy schedule.

43.) Spend a day at the beach. Maybe you don't live near enough to a coast to get to the ocean, but I bet you can improvise and live close to some kind of body of water that you can swim in. Even if it means a pool in your Uncle's backyard, use your imagination and send yourself somewhere tropical while laying out by the pool side. I take to water like a fish, and I know that anytime I'm at the beach (or imagining I'm at one) I'm happy. Just remember the sunscreen!

44.) Make yourself a mix tape. I know, I know. No one uses cassettes anymore. But mix tape sounds better than mix CD. Regardless, whenever I know I'll be driving around in my car, or running or sitting on a bus with my iPod shuffle, I make myself a playlist of music that I'm really into at that time. That way, I can rock out in my car, on my run, or on that once-lonely bus ride. Music always seems to turn my mood around.

45.) Get some sidewalk chalk, find a good piece of sidewalk, and get creative. I know when I was little, sidewalk chalk was the best thing since sliced bread. Now that I'm in college, I still find myself loving sidewalk chalk. We use it around campus to advertise events and lectures on campus, and I love being part of the "Chalking Committee." Sure, I don't get to draw a hop-scotch or a rainbow, but it still lets me release my inner chalking child. And it's a great summer activity, too!

46.) Throw a theme party. Everyone loves a Hawaiian Luau. Everyone also loves a toga party. And everyone certainly loves an 80's/90's dance party. So why not invite your friends over for some snacks, drinks, and music for a night of merriment and fun? Throwing a party, while some work, is rewarding--because in the end you know that you were the reason everyone had such a good time!

47.) Snap some bubble wrap. Stressed? Anxious? Feeling upset? Grab some bubble wrap and snap away. It's kind of like an office supplies stress reliever. And it's even more fun when having a snapping contest with a sibling, friend, or co-worker to see who can snap all of their bubble wrap the fastest.

48.) Paint your fingernails or toenails some really funky colors. While you men out there might decide not to partake in number 48, I know that almost all women can agree. When your fingernails or toenails are painted colors you normally would never use, you can't help but smile a little every time you look at them. Or is this just me?

49.) Orange slices. Remember those days you played pee-wee T-ball or kiddie soccer? You were probably 6 or 7 years old, and barely could control your balance, but you ran around on a field, not really sure what you were doing. The only thing you truly looked forward to--were orange slices. Halftime would come. Breaks between innings would come. And you could eat an orange slice with your team mates and pals. To this very day, orange slices still make me happy because of those memories.

50.) Learn to let the little things go. I will be the first to admit that I am the absolute worst at this step. I take things personally way too often, and I tend to cry about the little things more than I would normally care to admit. It's a step toward happiness that I'm working on... and although it's not easy (these past two weeks have been full of me taking things too personally and letting the little things get to me way too much) I'm really trying to make a conscious effort to change my attitude about the little things.


Share your thoughts and ideas about what makes you happy and you may see them show up here next week!

Refuse to Be Anything You Don't Want to Be

Sometimes it's difficult to be anything but cookie cutter in today's world.

It's not exactly simple to stand out from the crowd, to rise above sea-level and to be something great. However, just because it's not simple does not mean it's impossible. In fact, it should be something you desire even more because it's difficult.

The harder you work for something, the more rewarding it is when you get it in the end. Think back to a time when you wanted something that seemed unobtainable or a time when you wanted to do or be something that you never thought you could do or be. But then you set out, and you did it or got it. Think long and hard.

Was it easy?
Did it take you a few hours or days?
Were you able to sit back and watch it happen?

The answers to those questions is, more likely than not, a big, resounding "No."

And there's a reason that your answers were no. The big breaks in life rarely come easily. They don't just stroll through your front door on a silver platter. They  don't come to you while your sleeping, watching TV, or posting on Facebook for the fourth time in a day.

The big breaks in life come when you put some elbow grease into it, when you get down and dirty, when you work hard, sweat and put all of your time and effort into getting what you want.

So don't settle for less than you deserve. Refuse to be anything you don't want to be. It might be hard to change. It might be scary. It might be a long process. But in the end, you'll be happier for it. Instead of settling for what is simply good enough, go for what you truly deserve and desire.


When was a time when you worked hard and got what you wanted? Was the process difficult? Was the result rewarding? Share you story in a comment!

100 Steps Toward Happiness: Part 4

I apologize for missing last week (and for being slightly absent in the last two weeks) but I moved home from Rome, had jury duty, and was job searching.

Excuses aside... here is the 4th week of 100 Steps Toward Happiness

31.) Watch one of your favorite TV shows. There's nothing like an episode of Law & Order: SVU or How I Met Your Mother to cheer me up and put a smile on my face. Whether I'm flipping through the channels and catch an episode (or if I'm really lucky... a marathon!) or watching on my computer, whether I'm alone or with friends, I know that I can always relax and enjoy myself while watching one of my favorite TV shows.

32.) Go for a run. Seeing as how today was my first day back in my running sneakers in over 4 months, I was certainly out of shape. It didn't make a difference in how good I felt after my 30 minute, 3 mile run this morning. I have to get rid of my pasta belly somehow, and exercising helps! Not to mention, it makes me feel happier. So get out, and go for a jog!

34.) Make s'mores. Last night I sat around a fire pit in a friend's backyard with other familiar faces enjoying a beautiful summer night and s'mores. Let me tell you, nothing says happiness quite like two graham crackers with chocolate and marshmallow in between.

35.) Get rid of the clutter. In the past year I've been slowly getting rid of all the clutter I've collected throughout my youth. While a lot of it brings back nostalgic memories from that one awesome vacation or that one great friendship--it really comes down to, when I move out of my mom's house for good, will I want to take it all with me? And the answer more often than not, is no. And so I've made it a point to begin to sell, donate or trash the stuff I don't need anymore. And you know what? Less is more.

36.) Make a collage. Collages are great. They're fun, they give you something to do on a rainy afternoon, and they're great for decoration. It makes a room a little more interesting, and brings out your creative side!

37.) Dry or press flowers. You know those special occasions when someone gives you flowers? Instead of trashing them as soon as they start to die, why not dry or press them? It's simple enough to do, and allows you to hang on to those flowers for longer than you would if you just let them wilt in a vase. Whether you hang them upside down in a bundle or you select a few and lay them in that heavy encyclopedia you rarely use, they'll smell great and will make you smile every time you look at them.

38.) Listen to a thunderstorm in the summer time. One of my favorite things to do in the summer time, especially down the shore, is to sit out on a deck, porch or sunroom and listen to thunder, watch lightning, and smell the rain on the dry sidewalks and streets. It reminds me of all the good things about summer storms--like how they make grass green and flowers bloom and bring life back to what was once dry.

39.) Don't just throw out the fortune cookie fortune. Reflect on it. Although they're sometimes lame, silly and ridiculous, occasionally you get one that, well, just makes sense. And if you take that fortune to heart, there's no telling what might come of it. Even if it's just a smile, it'll be worth it!

40.) Every once in a while, take a nice, long shower. In day to day life, we often forget to treat ourselves. We get so caught up in routine, that showers consist of a quick shampooing of the hair and scrubbing of the body. But, take the time every once in a while to relax and stand under the water.  Crank up the heat just a smidgin more, close your eyes, and enjoy. Forget about routine. Give yourself that extra 5 minutes in the shower.


What are some things that make you happy? Share them here and you may see them in next week's 100 Steps Toward Happiness!

YouTube Tuesday: Butterfly

I don't know what it is about this video, but it makes me want to go out and dance, sing and explore the world.

Be Amazing!

A friend posted this video on her Facebook wall earlier today.

Watch it. It will blow your mind.

This isn't going to be one of my longer posts. Instead, it's going to be short and sweet.
To put it simply, this girl teaches us one very important thing: be amazing. Maybe you can't spider-man climb a wall and catch a baseball hit by Brent Johnson, but I know that you can do something amazing. And you need to do it--whatever it is. If you can sing, then sing loud and clear. If you can run marathons, then run with all of your might. If you can rock climb, then climb on. If you can grill a mean rack of barbeque pork ribs, then grill away, baby!

But whatever it is that you can do, always be sure to remember the second very important thing that this girl teaches us: be humble. You know what you can do is amazing. Others definitely know what you can do is amazing. So instead of bragging about it, just own it, live it, do it.

Go and be amazing.

100 Steps Toward Happiness: Part 1

I've decided to compile a list of things that make me happy. They might seem silly or pointless or just downright ridiculous at times--but give them a try. You never know... they might make you happy, too. And what is so bad about that? Exactly! Nothing!

This is the first installment--the first ten steps to happiness. Each installment with be ten more things, until I reach 100! Expect them every Thursday for the next ten weeks.

That way, you have ten things to be happy about every week for ten weeks! It's like hitting the lottery, smile-style. Cha-ching!



1.) When you make eye contact with someone, smile. The first couple times this might feel weird. It might feel creepy. But when you make eye contact with someone, even if it's a stranger, make it a habit to smile. Who knows? They just might smile back. And then you're both smiling, and life is good.

2.) Compliment yourself every morning. You know when you're standing in front of the mirror after waking up, you're brushing your teeth, your hair is a mess, and you're still a little groggy? Spit out the paste and compliment yourself. "Damn, girl! Those are some dazzling, pearly whites!" "Oh hey, cutie. You're lookin' fine this morning." "You're going to kick some butt in that meeting today." "What beautiful eyes you have!" All right, it's a little silly talking to mirror-you at 7 in the morning (or whenever in the morning), but give yourself an ego-boost in the AM. It'll set your mood for the day.

3.) Listen to a feel-good song. Personally, I have a feel-good playlist that I like to play for myself whenever I need a mood-booster, but even just having one go-to song to listen to in order to help you smile is good enough. I recommend When I'm Up by Great Big Sea, Send Me On My Way by Rusted Root, or Catch My Disease by Ben Lee.

4.) Eat something yummy. Whenever I'm feeling a little blue, if I eat something delicious it helps me to feel better. I'm not talking about bingeing on oreos or finishing an entire jumbo-bag of potato chips (although, I'll be the first to admit I've been there, done that). I'm talking about eating just enough of something that has good feelings attached to it. For me, it's peanut butter. It's hard for me to feel unhappy while eating a banana or an apple with some peanut butter on it, because it's just so damn tasty!

5.) Pick one place to call your own and decorate it. Whether it's in your room, kitchen, office, desk, or garden (or anywhere else for that matter), pick one place that you spend a lot of time in and decorate it with things that make you happy. Currently, the wall next to my bed in my apartment in Rome is covered with pictures of my family, friends and dogs in addition to a few of my all time favorite fortune-cookie fortunes, a message from my boyfriend, some birthday cards, and a few magazine clippings. These things remind me that I'm loved--and that makes me happy!

6.) Open a window. Everyone needs a little fresh air once in a while, and what better way to get it than opening your window, especially if it's a nice day. It brings in some warmth and breeze into any stuffy apartment or house, and then you can hear the goings-on of your neighborhood, as well. For me, when I open my window, I get to hear birds chirping, little Italian men greeting each other with "Ciao!" and "Buon giorno!" and mopeds zip by down the street. It reminds me of all the good things my neighborhood offers!

7.) Wear something fun. For me, I love big earrings. I have more pairs than I probably know what to do with, and I rarely go out without a big, dangly, bold pair in my ears. They're unique, and a great conversation starter. So wear something different, like a brightly colored pair of sneakers or a flashy patterned shirt or a glitzy handbag or a bold solid color tie. It doesn't matter what it is, but it will make people want to know about it and will more than likely gather you a few compliments.

8.) Blow Bubbles.  Remember when you were a kid and you'd get those little jars of bubble soap with bubble wands and you'd stand outside with your siblings and neighborhood friends blowing bubbles for who knows how long? I know I sure do. And it was a blast. I can't think of something I enjoyed more than blowing bubbles on summer days when I was ten years old. It was the bees knees. And I know that, eleven years later, I still get giddy whenever I see someone blowing bubbles. It makes me want to join in. So go to your local dollar store and buy some bubbles. I bet you'll have fun.

9.) Celebrate a ridiculous holiday with a group of friends. International Chicken Wing Day? Sounds delish! Leif Erikson Day? Yarrr! Cockroach Race Day? Ok... maybe not. But regardless of what you want to celebrate, there's probably a ridiculous holiday for it. And with a few good friends and some funny ideas, I'm sure you can think up a good time and be happy while celebrating. Check out some of the holidays here.

10.) Keep your room organized. Now, for clutter bugs like myself, this might seem like more of a chore than a way to stay happy. But I assure you, if you keep on top of your mess and continually put things where they belong instead of on your floor or desk, you'll be happier. Clutter amounts to stress, because then when you go to look for something you have to sift through piles before finding it (if you even manage to find it). So instead of letting it pile high until its unmanageable, be sure to put things where they belong every day. It makes cleaning easier, it means less stress, and it makes everything look nice! Cleanliness - Stress + Looking Nice = Happy!


What are some little things that make you happy? Share here and perhaps you'll be credited and see your suggestion in one of the future additions to 100 Steps Toward Happiness!

You Leave a Part of Yourself In Every City

You know how the saying goes: "I left my heart in San Francisco."

The same is true whenever you travel. You leave little bits and pieces of yourself in every place you go. It's hard not to--you get attached, you form relationships, you eat delicious, interesting or weird new foods that you can't get enough of, you do new things and you see places you've only ever seen pictures of previously.

I've definitely lefts parts of myself in every place I've visited. Croatia is lucky enough to have claimed my left foot next-to-pinky-toe toenail.

I bet you did not expect this post to go in the direction it just did.

Well, regardless of what you were expecting ("I left my heart in Croatia!"), I did, unfortunately, leave a more gross part of myself in Split, Croatia. Being the klutz that I am, I tend to not watch where I'm walking more often than I care to admit and then trip or fall over things just a little less often than not watching where I'm going (although, I will admit, the two go hand-in-hand).

So, Croatia wins this round. "How?" you might ask? On my way to dinner with three girl friends I walked into a chair. That's right: a chair. Once again I was not paying attention to where I was walking, and walked directly into the leg of a chair. At first I thought it was a standard stub-the-toe-and-wince kind of accident, only to look down and discover a less than enjoyable scene. Sucking it up, I told the girls we had to backtrack to my hostel so that I could perform emergency first-aid on my toe.

It wasn't pretty. It wasn't fun. But looking back, it makes for a good story.

My moral for you this time takes several forms, and you can decide which direction to take (kind of like those childhood books where you pick your own ending! So fun!): either wear close-toed shoes and continue to be clumsy, or begin to pay attention to where you place your feet so you can avoid the entire situation completely.

I'll be opting for the latter of the two in the future. I just can't give up my sandals!

Have you ever done something clumsy and literally left a part of yourself in a city?

Live On the Edge

The world is a pretty incredible place. I've learned so much from my previous travels and current time abroad. I've also learned a lot from places back home in the States, though, too.

One of the most important things I've learned in my life is to live on the edge. Take life for everything it is worth, because it is far too short to do otherwise. When you live life on the edge, you get to suck the very marrow out of its bones. You get to experience things you would never otherwise experience.

Erica Jong wrote, "If you don't risk anything, you risk even more."
In Colossians 3:21 it says, "And whatsoever you do / do it heartily."
Katherine Mansfield said, "How can you hesitate? / Risk! Risk anything! / Care no more for the opinion of others, / for those voices. / Do the hardest thing on earth for you. / Act for yourself. / Face the Truth."
Kim Basinger stated, "When I am old I’m never going to say, 'I didn’t do this,' or, 'I regret that.' I’m going to say, 'I don’t regret a damn thing! I came, I went, and I did it all!'"
Paul Tillich remarked, "He who risks and fails can be forgiven. He who never risks and never fails is a failure in his whole being."

These people were onto something!

If you want to live fully, you have to do as Frederico Fellini said to live, "You have to live spherically--in many directions."

There have been many times that I've risked things in my life. Big, physical things--like skydiving, rock climbing, bungee jumping, rappelling, ziplining, and parachuting. But I've risked in other ways, too. I've risked changing my major in college. I've risked putting myself out there for others, even if they've rejected me or disliked me or made fun of me. I've risked being honest with others, even if I knew it was going to be hard to say to them or hard for them to hear. I've risked opening up about my problems and feelings to complete strangers on retreats and on Outward Bound. I've risked living away in a foreign country for a semester. I've risked being lonely and traveling by myself. I've risked applying for scholarships, internships, and job positions even if I didn't think I was qualified or good enough or smart enough.

The point is, I've made it a point in my life to try to never say no to an opportunity when it presents itself. If I had said no to all of the experiences when I've risked something, I wouldn't be who I am today. Risk is what makes us who we are. It sets us apart from those who are too afraid of change, challenge or chance.

So next time you get a chance to risk something, and you can't help but think twice about it and wonder if it will be worth it, just go for it. Do something extraordinary. Do something wild. Do something creative. Do something dangerous or out of character or uncomfortable or something you might fail at. Do it anyway, despite the setbacks or fears you have about its outcome. You might just find that you grow in the process and that you end up a better person because of the risks you take.

Have you ever risked something, even if you were afraid of failure? Even if you did fail, did you learn something in the process? And if you did learn something, then can it really be considered failure? Have you risked something and had it turn out better than you could have imagined? Did you feel different afterward, and were you proud of yourself with what you'd achieved?