I am not a risk taker. In fact, I am a risk avoider. I am a Type A, easy does it, steady as they come, do-be. The husband is an adrenaline junkie. He skis black diamonds, drives a race car (for real) and loves adventure. I am an anti-adrenaline junky – even a buzz-kill sometimes! I don’t do extremes. I drive like a grandma (with a lead foot on the open road. I wear a bike helmet always. I like to run. No obstacle races or stunts. I start at the start and finish at the finish with great predictability. The same is true for work. I have always been a “work for “the man”, do my best, get paid and dream of winning the lottery so I can retire kind of girl.”
I had the pleasure of going to Red Mountain Resort in Utah with some girl friends this weekend (via a great deal from Luxury Link ). I also had the extra bonus of meeting up with an old friend who I have not seen since our 10 year high school reunion, but have known since 1984. She is a Park Ranger and Educator at Zion. (How cool is that?) Rhys wanted to hike at Zion and maybe tackle Angel’s Landing. We were warned by some friends and family members that this is a risky and challenging hike. There were lots of warning signs posted, too. Did I mention that I am risk averse? Yeah, and scared of heights? Well, that, too.
In addition to this hiking feat, I have some exciting news to share that is also well outside of my risk-aversity comfort zone. After more than a year of working full time while building this blog, and a doing few other side projects, Friday was my last day of full time employment in my “real job” (as a Product Manager in Health IT). I have decided to take a leap to work part time at my current (former?) job and to pursue my passions via this blog, and try a few new opportunities that I will tell you about as they unfold, the rest of the time. And I welcome more new things, too- check out my contact and sponsor page for more information. (Shameless promotion over!)
With Adrienne’s help, we all made it to the top of Angel’s Landing. Molly and Sarah mentioned that we did it without as much trouble as we expected, because we focused on the present and on taking one step at a time. We watched our feet. Kind of an interesting thing to think about as I take the next step forward in my career and life. Maybe I don’t have to know where the end is or look over the edge? I can just focus on the next few steps for now.
Surprisingly the way down from Angel’s Landing was not as terrifying as I imagined it would be. I hope the same will be true of my new endeavors. I have decided to take a risk. I hope it will pay off. I know I will learn and grow along the way, and if nothing else, I will add some new notches into my life’s belt.
Have you taken a big leap? How did you calm the inner critic and stay positive?