The Biggest Risk

When was the last time someone asked you about the risks you've taken in your life?

For me, it was a few nights ago in my women's circle gathering when we discussed the biggest risks we've taken, and the biggest risks we're afraid to take.

I admit, I entered into the conversation with some expectations. I expected women to speak about taking risks with their careers, or moving to a new place. Instead, women spoke about the risk of being vulnerable -- of being seen in the deepest, darkest pit of a grieving process. Some women talked about what it feels like to risk letting go of a hope for the future, after finally realizing, it isn't meant to be.

It was heart wrenching to hear my sister's speak about their fears and their pain. And at the same time, I felt empowered and inspired to witness them taking the risk to speak their truth.

While listening, my mind contemplated the risk takers of the zodiac: Sagittarius, Aries, and Leo. Two words emerged: Trust and Faith.

As the last of the group to share, I prepared to talk about my divorce and the risk it took to venture on my own in a town full of strangers five years ago. But suddenly that seemed, irrelevant.

Sure, that was a risk. And it was hard. And yes, it required some guts and courage on my part to leave the uncomfortable comfort of my then familiar world. But, when I really tapped into the greater truth of what was being said and shared, I thought of those two words - faith and trust.

I realized that the biggest risk I ever took was to come into human form. And that is the biggest risk any of us can take.

Let's be real here, this shit is crazy. And by shit I mean, Life.

Now don't get me wrong, I am in love with life. Ridiculously, helplessly in love with this experience thus far. Despite all the trauma and yucky things I've had to deal with, I have fierce love for my life. And, I still think this whole thing is crazy pants.

Seriously. If you can, take a moment to really allow yourself the full awakened realization that you are alive -- a soul incarnated in a body, on a ginormous biosphere organism hovering in an infinite universe.

Holy freaking crap guys.

I don't mean to sound silly or anything because I am really, truly serious about this practice. It puts everything into perspective for me when things are going downhill or seem a little too whacky or difficult for me to handle.

Because here's the thing - none of us know what we signed up for when we arrived here.

No user's manual, though we do have the guiding map of our birth chart (wink wink).

But many don't know about astrology. And even though many people are born into families who love and adore them and provide them with (almost) everything they need, there are just as many (if not more) born into war, or poverty, or some other horrific situation.

I think Forrest Gump nailed it with the box of chocolates metaphor...you know what I'm saying?

My take away from this realization is, we're all here to enjoy and revel in this mysterious and majestic unfolding of the wild unknown - every second, and every breath of our lives.

This life you're living? It's the biggest risk you ever took.

Your Soul is damn brave, and courageous, and strong for embarking on this path.

So the next time you look around and think, "man, that person has it so much better than me". Or the next time you mindlessly mind-graze on Instagram or Facebook and feel less than the best, know that, that's just not true! Because everyone is struggling in some way. And, you are a badass soul for coming here in physical form, with your body and your story and your special gifts and talents and karma to work through.

Again, holy crap guys!

And of course, we're all finally admitting to each other that we're figuring it out as we go. We're all afraid in some way. We're all terrified and yet we're all super excited about all of this.

This life is nothing short of an adventure, that's for damn sure.

And though I'm not speaking any words which have not yet been spoken by many others, I share this because maybe you needed to hear this today. Maybe you needed someone to tell you it's absolutely OK for you to be fully yourself and not be afraid of what that might mean.

After all, and I don't mean to be a wet blanket about this, but hey...none of us are making it out of here alive. Right? Eek, sad but true.

So, enjoy being you. Take the risk to be vulnerable.

Risk being persecuted if you believe in something deep in your bones.

Risk being loved.

Risk loving someone so much and so hard even if it won't last forever. Even if they don't love you back. Because feeling love is only possible because you're here to experience it.

As my brother recently said, "I can see why we come here. Bliss is boring. Life is exciting".

All of this will fade away at some point in time. And just because nothing is permanent, doesn't mean we should sit in a ball of despair. No sir. Instead, we can ride the waves in full glory and challenge ourselves to step up to the plate and play the game of life.

And if you're struggling with a decision, ask yourself, "what would my Higher Self do in this situation?" See where that answer takes you. Take that leap of faith and go for it. What do you have to lose?

You will have to let all of this go anyways - might as well cozy up to that notion.

And if you fall and hurt yourself, turn to those around you for support. And if you feel like you have no one around you - ask someone, ask anyone anywhere. Someone will have your back. This world is full of beautiful, big-hearted people who really want to help out. (I'm one of them).

We're all in this together. We're all here guiding each other back home.

So whoever you are, whatever story you're burdened with or blessed to live out in this lifetime, live your legacy.

Leave an imprint on people's hearts so they remember you as their personal champion and hero.

Be the change you wish to see, my friend. You can do it! You already have.

XO,

Dani

Over to you...

Are you on the cusp of big change?

What risks are you grateful you took?

What risks are you afraid to take?

Proclaim them here for all to see!

You never know who needs your words and wisdom.