I don’t know about you, but I struggle making decisions. What do I wear? What do I eat? Shall I go to the gym? All decisions that need making on a regular basis, yet sometimes I still struggle to decide on what choice to make. So imagine what happens when I am presented with a big life decision… yeah, you’ve guessed it…absolute chaos.
All of us, at some point in our lives, will be faced with big decisions to make, and many of those decisions won’t have one clear solution. Often we are faced with what seems like an ‘easy option’ and a risk.
For example: You’re working in a job you find ok, you have been there for 5 years and you’re paid well. You have your friends there but you don’t have enthusiasm for your work, it’s boring but it’s easy. You get offered the job of your dreams, it’s for less money, more hours and you don’t know anybody, but you’ve always been passionate about this.
The easy option seems inviting, it offers a sense of comfort and security but there is something missing, there is no fulfilment, there is no excitement and joy. It’s just safe. Or at least, you think it’s safe.
You’re drawn to the risk but you’re scared of it. You question it: What if it’s not everything I had hoped for? What if it lets me down? What if I am not good enough? Will I be judged?
A perfect example of the brain, once again, leaping into action, sourcing all its weapons, in hope that you will step away from the risk.
The second poem in my book looks at taking risks and the freedom and liberation choosing another option can provide… even if that means stepping away from societal norms.
PLEASE SIR, WILL YOU STEP AWAY FROM THE RISK
The blessing of our time
And the miracle in the madness
Is one so fraught
In this world of defective gladness
We’re the ones who look
Slightly further than the eye
Are deemed an imperfection
From those who hide in the lie
For we shall not see the one
Who roams in the fields
Free from the conditioning
The manipulation, and the shield
And he calls to us
In our hearts and in our mind
But unless we find the courage
We will always stay completely blind
And as his mother waves goodbye
As he continues down his path
She knows this little boy
Will never hold an inch of wrath
Because he embodies freedom
In every single way
And he is not afraid
To take a risk for each new day
And that is what I’m saying
When I write these words out now
Never be afraid
To take your final bow
To open up your eyes
To the world of infinite dreams
Because believe me when I say
It’s not as scary as it seems
But you have to be willing
To jump from the highest point
To be reborn again
To stand and anoint
… THIS IS RISKY BUSINESS IF YOU ASK ME
This poem for me has one clear message. You know in your heart what decision is right for you, there is almost like a gravitational pull with it. Go with it and don’t be afraid, because you just might be met with something so unexpected. Even though we might feel judgment or shame regarding our decisions, if you have made the right choice, it won’t matter in the end.
Like the poem says, ‘Never be afraid, To take your final bow, To open up your eyes, To the world of infinite dreams’
Don’t be afraid to take those opportunities when they come your way, we have one chance to make the most of this life, why question… what if?
I know writing this, it a lot easier than actioning it, but I do believe if we can offer each other a helping hand and support, each one of our dreams can come true.
If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.
–Jim Rohn
I loved your poem Emma and I am sure that it resonates with many. It made me think of a favourite quotation: ‘You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.’ (Christopher Columbus) I find this more than apt because as we all know Colombus was seeking to land in the Far East and instead ended up discovering an entirely new continent. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you! Sometimes I think we have to keep moving forwards and take the memories with us, rather than staying stuck and never creating anything new. Thank you for your lovely comments.
I adored your line of “world of infinite dreams…” To me that line felt so full of possibility and sustenance in taking that leap.
Your work was beautiful here, Emma.🙏
Thank you for your lovely lovely comments. I hope I can allow people to see the multitude of possibilities waiting for us. Emma x
Good thoughts Emma. Fear can paralyze us; keep us from stepping out of the boat and onto the water. As long as we’re not walking onto a crowded freeway, risk (I believe) is almost always worth it. Love is a risk – the risk of being transparent with someone who may ultimately use that against us – hurt us – but love is always worth it. I don’t want to come to the Winter of my life wishing I had done this or that…..what might have happened if only I had…..whatever. Failures will happen – it’s called learning. Fear can keep us in the playpen……life is so much better on the playing field. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for your comments! I definitely agree. There is so much out in the world, we can’t stay stuck. It is all a process of growth. Thanks so much for reading!!
Emma, I love your poem. It is beautifully written and resonates with me. I struggle to make decisions also and tend to overthink. But, it is freeing when we let go of the fear and lean into the risk. I left a toxic work situation over two years ago. As bad as it was, I became comfortable there, so to say I was scared to leave it behind sounds strange to me. However, I feared what was on the other side and doubted myself until I didn’t. After I realized that leaving meant I was walking toward something and not away from it, it made me see things so much differently.
Thank you for sharing your lovely gift with us.
Aw thank you so much! I find it so liberating to step into the unknown, even though it can be so tough to start with. As strange as it sounds, our comfort sometimes ends up being controlled by fear as we become paralysed with thinking we have something to lose. I am so glad you managed to step out of your situation, it takes real courage. You are unlimited now! Thank you again for your lovely comments. Emma x
Emma. thank you for writing and sharing your article. Some people make decisions easily with little or no regard for risk. I tend to be more cautious in my decision making process. You never know what if any consequences there will be of your decision. It comes down to trusting what is in your heart or soul.
Hi Joel! Thanks for your comments, it definitely is all about what is right for you! We have to trust that inner voice.
You are welcome, Emma.