Fly

In less than 9 months, I will enter my 4th decade of life.  Seriously, when did that happen?  I've realized a lot about myself lately.  Other than "talking" from behind my computer, I don't speak up and I don't take risks.  I don't mean skydiving or coloring my hair purple.  I don't ever risk failure.  If there is a 1/10 chance that I could fail at something. . .I won't do it.  Because of that, I don't ever feel successful either.

When I was in high school, I played the bassoon.  We had a competition in Chicago and there was a bassoon solo.  In fact, the piece began with a bassoon solo.  The first song we played which began with the bassoon solo would be the first thing that the judges heard.  The solo was mine to do and I passed it to another bassoon player.  I didn't want to mess up.  But, I also missed an opportunity to shine.

Many of my 40 things I may fail at.  I don't know.  I've never tried them.  I could be really good at them too.  Number 12 on my list is to write an autobiography. . .I have always wanted to write a book.  I am happy to say that I am up to chapter 12. . .College.  I hope that I am able to finish the book.  Sometimes I have great intentions, but poor follow through. 

What is the saying?  How can you explore the oceans if you never lose sight of the shore?  I am not sure I have ever gotten the boat in the water  But, how can you grow as a person unless you risk failure and take chances?    Life is not about just preventing failure it is about living and learning and growing and falling down and getting back up again.  I want to teach my daughters to take chances, to believe in themselves and to try without being afraid.  I know one day they will soar.