“If there is a one door in the castle you have been told not to go through, you must.” Anne Lamott

Life is full of closed castles doors. What is behind those doors is the mystery of life as it unfolds. How do you know which door is meant for you? Suppose you fail? There are no assurances. 

There is one baseball quote that really says it all. It’s one of the “7 Secrets to Guilt Free Living” that I shared in my book “A Change of Habit”  “You can’t steal second base until you take your foot off first”.

Sometimes we get stuck in the mire of the status quo, afraid of change. I’ve learned that we must embrace and deal the unknown and the change in order to grow.

Are you a risk-taker? I’m usually not!

I remember reading that one of the five qualities that most Octogenarians share is Risk Taking. In her book, “The Risk Factor”, Deborah Perry Piscione gives us some points to ponder to get the most out of life. 

Risk Takers:
-Are in touch with a greater purpose in life. When we see our “greater purpose” in the Divine Plan we live a loving life, grateful for opportunities. 
-Generally have a lower level of fear than most people. Fear holds us back sometimes missing out on happiness.
-Are curious about why things are the way they are. With this openness, curiosity creates a sense of wonder and imagination and has been linked to cultivating happiness.
-They believe anything is possible. No obstacle is too large because their enthusiasm can overcome any hesitation.
-They can shake off and even embrace failure. This positive outlook is motivational making failure merely a speed bump.

So let’s open ALL the doors of the castle with all the challenges and opportunities of each day. As former AZ Cardinal coach used to say: “No risk it, no biscuit!”