The Road to Hana on the island of Maui, Hawaii offers some of the most beautiful views I almost did not see. Had I given in to my inner fears, I would have stopped myself from taking this incredible island journey. You see, the road to Hana is not for the faint of heart. It is a winding, snake of a road that at many points goes down to a harrowing one-lane route with no shoulder, dotted with over fifty narrow wooden bridges fit for only one vehicle at a time, blind corners, and plunging sea cliff drop offs that jut out from the dense jungle foliage. With my fear of heights, crippling claustrophobia, and other innate anxieties, I should have never ventured out on that road. But, boy, am I glad that I did.
Lucky for me, despite my self-limiting fears, I also have a built in curiosity that, at certain times, likes to take the driver’s seat. Often, it isn’t enough for me to see something in pictures. I have an inner urge to experience it for myself. So, without truly knowing what we were getting ourselves into, my daughter, my sister, and I hopped into a rented Ford Mustang and hit the (mostly) paved road.
Because, isn’t that how it often goes? Not knowing what lies ahead, but doing it anyway.
The first leg of the journey felt simple enough in its slow and gradual uphill climb. But as the hills grew steeper, and the curves in the road began to multiply, my fear center was triggered. I remember clutching the ‘oh shit grip’ on the car and wishing I had stayed by the pool at the swanky resort. But, then the wisdom of life coach and author Susie Moore, who posits a simple question to ponder before heading out into the unknown, began to echo in my fear-addled brain …What If It Does Work Out?
It’s a good question to ask yourself before or during your dive into the unknown. Taking a risk requires guts, grit, and faith. When I left my stable and secure nine to five career of thirty years to go into business for myself (check out my Poshmark resale shop here) it was quite a leap into unclear waters. But, despite the fears I felt over whether or not I was making the right decision or whether or not it would work out, I found that embarking on this adventure was FUN. And, really, isn’t that what adventures are about?
Living and enjoying life with a greater sense of fulfillment will, at some point, require that you take a risk. Risks in your career, risks in your relationships, and risks in the adventures that you choose to go on. Sure, it may feel scary, but there are benefits to taking risks that can improve your overall health, mind, and wellness. Here is a short list, just to name a few:
- It feels good. Even if it doesn’t go as planned, taking a risk is an adrenaline rush that produces a temporary high.
- You feel a sense of accomplishment. Hell yeah. You did it.
- It empowers you, moving forward. Taking and surviving a risk can act as momentum and move you to the next risk.
- It opens up new opportunities. Taking a risk equals personal growth, and growth opens doors.
- You gain confidence. Once you accomplish something that you thought you could never do, you end up with confidence that you did not have before. And that, my friend, is magical.
Taking a risk does not have to be over-the-top or the ultimate experience. You can start small by taking a bite-sized risk each day. Try something new. Strike up a conversation with someone you do not know. Visit a town or establishment outside of your normal routine, or complete that beautifully scary drive around the island.
And, after you have completed any given risk successfully, pause and enjoy the view. You have earned it.
NEW to Poshmark? Use code threadsbykelly when you sign up to receive $10 off your first purchase. Visit your local library or favorite place where you get books to find Susie Moore’s book and other self-help titles to fit your needs. Check out my PRINTABLES section for suggested titles and other guides to help you on your journey.
