I am not the biggest risk taker. I like comfortable. But I realized something in terms of relationships and taking risks. So many of the risks we take in a "people sense", in the end, bring us the comfort of home. Taking risks can translate to comfort in the end.
Almost all friendships and relationships start with a risk. A stepping out of that box that we all like to squeeze ourselves and a few other people, places, and things into. Whatever does not fit in that box-- a risk is taken to get it. Think about your friendships and how they first began: the risk you had to take to build trust. If you're dating or married, think about your love story, and the butterflies that lingered: the risk you had to take to fall in love. Weren't there risks involved with both of these? How could there not have been? The phone call to get coffee. The showing up at a gathering where you know absolutely no one. The telling of something deep inside you to another person. The putting your heart on a line. The being vulnerable. The being honest. The being you.
Life can get comfortable again after college. Comfortable after new friends turn to gold. Comfortable once a budding love story turns to a forever commitment. Adult life can get comfortable. I'm finding, at age 27, as I'm faced with less people risks than I did in the past, that I'm comfortable. And I've realized, that those risks I took as a young adult and teenager, to meet people and fall in love--those risks--well, they have turned into my comforts. Those people I had to step out of the box to meet and to know, they are my home.
Now that we live in Denver, I have to take those risks again. Like any new beginning, taking risks are a part of the package. But like I said, I am not the biggest taker. And camping out on comfortable can be my go to. But comfortable does not build new relationships. Comfortable does not step out of the box. So I've been having a chat with this "comfortable me" and reminding her that taking risks in the end, does bring comfort. I'm reminding her of the risks she took for love, for best friends--for people who mean the world to her. And how taking risks are the foundation of relationships. Taking risks to reach out and meet new faces, putting heart and all that is me on the line, builds true lasting friendships. And in the end, the risks taken to build true lasting friendships are what bring us to a place of feeling the comforts of home.
Drinking my coffee and reading your blog. This rings true throughout life...with friends, circumstances and "what if's ?"......taking risk is all about the journey....and if not for the journey...how would we get anywhere...to comfort or that place of desire? Nice piece Lauren...really enjoyed it. xoxo Mom
ReplyDeleteI love this. I just transferred to a new college and am beginning my sophomore year, so this really rings true to me. I am anxious about the risks and the relationships I will soon be making, yet I find comfort in that unknown too. God has a way of paving a way to solid relationships, and I am still working on being able to trust in that. Loved this, thanks for your words and honesty.
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful Lauren. It's so easy to get comfortable, but taking risks are typically worth it in the end.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Yes, comfortable can become our default. But how different life would be without the risks we need to take.
ReplyDeleteColleen, new anything can be scary! I have confidence that you will have the courage to meet new people and follow your gut when it comes to risks and relationships. I am so glad that this piece spoke to you at such the perfect time in your new transition.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am so happy that you were able to reflect on this, and how it rings true in your life. Hope you enjoyed your coffee!
ReplyDeleteThis is extremely lovely. Thanks for the encouragement and reminder to take risks.
ReplyDeleteAshlee, you are so so welcome :)
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