What kind of risk taker are you? See, I am one of those calculated risk takers – the kind of risk taker that is never really blindsided because that risk was fully considered.
When I do something "risky," it's because I have thought out every possible outcome no matter what the situation is, and then, I decide if it’s worth it or not. I'm not just talking about physical risks like roller coasters or bungee jumping off buildings. I'm talking about those everyday risks and decisions you make that maybe are against the majority of opinions and go against the grain.
My horse Captain has been one of my biggest challenges in life. Captain is an OTTB (off the track thoroughbred). He was my first horse, and I was incredibly excited to finally have him. Like all things in life though, things didn't really go according to plan. I thought I was ready for him, but I didn't have a clue. Captain will always be a special horse to me, although he's been a serious challenge, he's taught me so many things, not only about horses but also about life. He has taught me to follow my gut, to never be afraid of having different opinions or thinking outside the box. He has had so many issues I couldn't even list them all. He really made me question everything I had once been told was correct. Horses are all different, just like people.
Time after time I was always put in a position to choose between a "normal solution" or a different one. Captain has pushed to me take risk after risk, and even when those risks came with criticism, this has ultimately led me to find amazing, new solutions.
You know when you're facing a big decision, and you start questioning everything because you just don't want to make the wrong one? I am at a point in my life where I am supposed to start thinking about what I want to do and where I want to go, but to be honest, I have no idea what I want.
It's overwhelming to think about all the change that is about to occur. I used to think I knew what I wanted but now here I am waking up and realizing this is the rest of my life we are talking about here. There are still so many things I want to explore. I wish I knew where I was going or what I was going to do. It's so easy to get lost in doubt, but I've realized that the unknown of that situation is a risk I'm going to have to take. In order to discover and explore, I'm going to have to let go a little and accept that I may not know what is around the corner, but whatever is will be guiding me to wherever I am supposed to be.
Risk taking is really about those moments where you challenge yourself and push yourself outside of your comfort zone. It's about free falling and having a little faith that somehow it will all work out.
