Risk and challenge are the themes that have been coming up in my life and those around me in this new year. In this new year, I am challenging myself with writing, it's not easy. I'm taking steps that are intimidating and risky. I could easily give up or back out because of fear, but sticking with it may take me new and better places I never imagined.

Some other people I know are facing decisions to change jobs, which is also risky if you have been comfortable in one position. Doing something new involves taking a step, trying something you never have before, leaving the old behind, and embracing the change.

I enjoy change. I enjoy the wonderful new experiences that come out of change, that wouldn't have happened otherwise. At the same time, it can be overwhelming and frightening. Personally, I'm facing a lot of change all at once, changing apartments, trying new classes in college, getting ready to graduate, and applying for a master's degree, all in the next few weeks.

It's not easy putting yourself out there, not knowing how you'll do or if you will succeed, but if you never try you'll never know. Even if I fail, even if things don't work out or go as planned, I would like to look back and say I tried. That's more than many can say who choose to stay comfortable or stay where it's safe and never take that risky step and leave the comfortable behind. I would like to be a person who when I look back I can say well I tried what I thought I could never do, I did what I never dreamt of doing, I tried what everyone advised against or said I would fail at, and maybe, maybe it will bring about the greatest experiences in my life. Maybe one thing will lead to another, and that one risky decision set me up for a whole unique life that I never dreamed possible.

So as stressful and scary all this change can be, I remember that I'm doing what I never dreamed I could. I'm giving it a shot. And for me, just the experience of trying is worth it. Trying a new thing, experiencing life from different angles, living in different worlds is worth it even if I fall flat on my face. Maybe two years from now I'll be graduating from my dream school with a Master's. Maybe that will open more doors I never dreamed of.

What risk are you taking now? I feel like many of us are taking big risks in 2019 already. I know it's scary and that doubt goes through your mind continually, but at least you can look back and say you tried it, you went for it, you didn't back out and stay where it was comfortable. However big or small they may be, maybe it's a new job or a new house or trying to cook a new recipe for dinner, try the risk, there's no telling where it might lead.