On Risk..

I was perusing  my new Body + Soul magazine, and an article about Risk, and how healthy risk can be. It says that to take a risk is to accept a challenge. Find things that intrigue and excite you, and do them.

They define risk as  “activities with uncertain outcomes”. “Whatever gives you that ‘ping’ feeling where you wonder what’s going to happen next.”

Everyone considers different things to be a risk for them, but it says that “the best learning happens just beyond your comfort zone.” There are lots of emotional benefits to taking risks.

“Research shows that risk-takers … are more likely to feel accepted, responsible, trustworthy, and capable. The sense of satisfaction comes from trying something new and proving yourself up to the task. You get to know, with the understanding that can only come from experience, how competent and capable you really are…”

And this doesn’t mean doing things that are dangerous or stupid, but just something that we’ve never done before, and that we think we would LIKE to try. Something different. How can we know how capable we are, if the limits of our capability aren’t tested?

“Perhaps the most immediate benefit of risk is that it’s simply plain fun. Neuroscientists explain this bliss with biochemistry: New, challenging, and risky activities trigger the release of dopamine, a feel-good neurotransmitter that’s part of the brain’s reward system. Call it the ultimate antidote to boredom—it’s the best way I know of to wake up and feel fully and ecstatically alive. You believe you have a say in your destiny rather than being dominated by your circumstances. In that way, every chance we take teaches us something about ourselves.”

I must say, that I am not much of a risk-taker. A pretty conservative girl, here. I like four dishes at all the restaurants we go to, I drink pretty much only three kinds of drinks, and I will admit to being stuck in a fairly predictable rut in a lot of ways. Now stability is nothing to sneeze at - but I love that taking chances on things - taking risks that it might be awful or it might turn out to be WONDERFUL, helps us feel alive and get to know ourselves and our capacities a little better. :)

So I am thinking of taking a new risk in May. I’ve seen so many Flickr galleries and personal blogs from those lovely and organized people who started way at the beginning of the year taking a photo every day. Every day. Well, what is one (like me) unorganized and slightly prone to procrastination person supposed to do with a grand intention that I’m only just starting to feel here on April 23? April 23 doesn’t feel like much of a Day To Begin Something, does it…

Challenge = Risk  

So I would like to begin taking a photo a day in May. And see how I do.

Would you like to join me? I would love to see what you take. All the daily stuff. Or if you have another Risk you’d like to take, perhaps you’d like to:

• learn how to digi-scrap, and you’d like to take a chance on my Up & Running with Photoshop class, which begins registration on Monday? :D).
  
• learn how to fold a Rhombic Hexecontahedron out of origami paper?
  
• use your rubber stamps to create a really cool shrinky-dink ring?
• make these amazing lavender cream filled cupcakes with citrus cream frosting? (and then send me some!)
• buy a digital SLR, or buy a prime lens for your dSLR?
• make a grocery list and only go to Target once.a.week. whoa *gasp* I almost couldn’t even type that without passing out. I actually don’t recommend this one at all. Forget I said it. Did I mention that you can learn to digi scrap? How about that rhombic hexecontahedron? Who’s up for a Target run? :D
  

Of course these are just random ones. Did something come into your head that would be a risk for you? I’m actually looking FORWARD to May, now! :D

Comments

[LivE]

I'm in! I'll join you in your photo-a-day in May! :D

[Heather in Nampa ID]

Jess, you make me smile. I can't believe how you took the words right out of my mouth about Target (pronounced tar-zhay). :D

I am in - May photo-a-day it is.

[junebug]

I've undertaken the 365 challenge too and it has been quite fun. Of course I have missed a LOT of pictures... But as Ali says, "It's OK... That's life."

I've found Amanda Blake Soul's 30 days in photos quite inspiring. See it at http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/just_photography/index.html

I'm also going to take a risk with buying the new Canon Rebel XSi coming out at the end of this month. I am so excited. I know that will be a good risk because only good things can come out of it.

[Rachelle]

Hi Jessica!
I started the photo a day challenge in January (not the 1st) and I just passed day 100! I have never missed a day! It's a lot of fun and I've got a lot of my girlfriends doing it now too. One just started last week. Go for it! Here's mine...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22828587@N02/sets/72157603719785461/

[Sarah]

right now, a big risk would be to actually cover the chipboard album I got with fabric paper that I got a few weeks ago. I'm always weary using glue. I'm never sure what type of glue and then once you start applying there's no going back (no undo button!). So I'll take the risk of having to go buy another album if I mess up!
Aloha, Sarah

[Mary Ann]

Hi, Jessica -

Love the post on risk this morning, very timely for me! And for the link to Epic Edits. Interesting site, especially since falling in love with photography again.

You're a peach!!

[Christina Moquin]

I love the idea of at least one photo per day.

and Yay Target!!

[Angi Smith]

Someone started something on April 23 - me! I had my last cigarette after 20+ years of smoking on April 23, 1998! It's a great day! As of today, being 10 years out with not ONE cigarette, my heart and lungs should be at the stage they would be if I had NEVER smoked! If someone you know smokes, tell them about me. It can be done. And without gum, patches, pills, etc.!

[suzanne]

I'm thinking about doing something risky and between your blog and another one that I just finished reading: I think the universe might be talking to me.

Had to laugh about once-a-week Target trips. I'm here to tell you: it can be done. Really. We actually only make once-every-two-week Target trips.

[Gina]

Ok, this brings up a great question for you Jessica. Your photos are fabulous! They are so clear and sharp. I have sat here and tried to figure it out, and its not just editing on Photoshop....is it a prime lens? is this it? what one do you use?
Gina

[Amy L]

April 23 is a pretty cool day for me; my 50th birthday. And I really feel like I am starting a new phase of life! Good luck with your photos...would love to see any pages you make with them!

[Terri (lucysmom)]

OMG, you crack me up! The Target thing truly made me laugh out LOUD! (I don't like saying LOL. It's too "cliche". But if I actually LAUGH OUT LOUD, I like to let you know.

I'm in. I've been on the photo a day thing for quite awhile now. It's actually one of my "Intentions". ;)

[Heidi]

Wow I love that ring!! And I am with you on the Target run. I can't believe how many times I end up there - by some (obviously) unforseen force. lol

[Marcie]

Hi Jessica,
I'm in for a photo a day in May and the risk=challenge!

My youngest son will graduate from highschool in one month and I am looking for change and something new to do after all these years of being a PTA mom. LOL.

Thanks for the article and the challenge! Looking forward to taking one of your online classes for May.

[LuannW]

In March I took a major risk for me, at 33 I decided to learn to play an instrument, I have been playing the guitar for 2 months, even risker my husband is my teacher. It is hard to take constructive criticism from him about my play but I am getting over it. I can now play some super simple songs read a little music, understand a portion of what my music teacher husband is talking about, and most importantly for me I am learning that I can be coordinated with my hands and eyes (something I had major issues with growing up including occupational therapy as a kid.)

Ooops that got winded

[dawns]

There is a book called "Take The Risk" by Dr. Ben Carson that I think you would like. He is the director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland. The book "challenges us to reaffirm that our lives have great purpose, and that risking wisely is the gateway to dreams fulfilled and a legacy of influcence in the world around us...by insultating ourselves from the unknown (the risks of life) we miss the great adventure of living our lives to their full potential". It also includes "insights that will help dispel your fear of risk so you can dream big, aim high, move with confidence and reap rewards you've never imagined."

It really is a great book by a great human being.

[Laurie]

I just went to Target today! That place is evil. It rates right up there with Barnes & Noble of places that rob my wallet.

[braydensmom]

You truly do rock and everybody else's comments made me smile!! I had a bad morning trying to get to get out the door for work today with my 7 month old. I needed this post this morning! As for the photo a day... I may try it. Why not!? And Heather, you have the Target pronunciation down! Too funny! ;o)

[Jessica Sprague]

Angi, I am so proud of you! Congratulations on 20 years smoke-free!!

Gina, I use the 50mm f/1.8 Nikon lens, and I would recommend this lens (and the Canon equivalent) to ANY scrapbooker with a digital SLR! It totally changed my photos. :)

[Michelle]

Jessica thanks for the post. Love the shriky dink rings and the cupcakes. I have been wanting to chronicle my boys with one pic a day for a period of time and this is the inspiration to do it. Can't wait to register for the photo shop class.

Wish the camera lense was in my budget8( but it will be on my wish list 8)

Taking the photo shop class is going to be a risk for me I have self taught myself but know that I don't use it to its full functionality it will be hard to reteach myself...so excited to have you as a guide!

[Gina]

Jessica,
Thanks for the info on the lens...I got my R1900 last week, so I may need to wait a few weeks before I spring this one on DH! But its a goal!
Gina

[Traci]

I find myself inspired. I have some bigger life risks brewing, but a photo a day sounds like a good way to start! Count me in in May. Guess I need to update my blog too so I have a place to post. Two risks! In one month! Someone stop me...

[linds]

Hey Jessica! First of all, I LOVE target and could not imagine going there any less than 3 times a week (but how do I keep needing more stuff?). And second, I'm so excited for your second level class (registration in June right?) and can hardly wait to learn ALL kinds of stuff!!

[Lynn C.]

I read this post last week and thought gee I just might do this and push myself a bit and then my new camera came and low and behold I do not know as much as I hoped I did so I'll be taking your risk with you because hands on everyday will hopefully get this huge overwhelmed feeling down to an itty bitty memory.
If you want to be really risky though I have a recipe for GAK(have you ever heard of it?) We make it for the kids we take care of and they LOVE it. Email me if you want to try it. I took all your classes so you'll have my email.