Life can be too ‘normal’

Published 2:28 pm Saturday, May 16, 2009

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

‑Anais Nin

Life can be pretty normal sometimes. We get out of bed, take a shower, get dressed, go to work, then come home. On the weekend, maybe we spend some time with our friends and family, take in a movie or a nice dinner, or just relax before doing it all over again the next week.

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It’s OK to be content with doing that for 20, 30 or 40 years, but I’d argue against it.

Take some chances from time to time, roll the dice, take some risks and see where it takes you.

It was ignoring the odds that led to victory for the 50-1 longshot Mine That Bird at this year’s Kentucky Derby.

It was the courageous crew members of the Shuttle Atlantis who risked their lives this past week to repair the Hubble telescope.

And it was Jean Chavez of Austin who took a chance when she purchased the Powerball lottery ticket that on Friday made her roughly $135,500 richer.

Taking intelligent risks in life is healthy and while doing so may lead to disappointment, it can also lead to great reward.

So go ahead and live a little.

Try a new diet, talk to a potential love interest instead of walking on by, earn a degree when others say you can’t and pursue that dream you think you’re too old for.

The greatest underdog stories happen when folks step out of their comfort zones, take on new challenges and then find the motivation to conquer them.

On Friday night, Riverland Community College graduated another class of talented and bright individuals.

These men and women are entering the job market in some of the worst economic conditions since World War II.

It would be easy for a recent graduate to be disheartened by the economy and to dwell on the negative reports out there about foreclosures, bankruptcies and the lack of job opportunities.

The healthier way is to find a foot in the door, take some chances and keep at it until the results come.

Sooner or later, they will.

Some people are simply content in their lives by making safe decisions all the time and staying in their comfort zones.

Other people know better and are eager to challenge themselves by taking the risks needed to keep moving forward.

Even Ferris Bueller knew it, who said, “Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop and take a look around once in a while, you could miss it.”