The issue with taking chances

I am a risk taker. Under most circumstances, I look for the edge , think about the odds, and take the risk. If I win, it's a big win. Even if I lose, it's life changing...and, still a win.
Challenge ignites my spirit, and I like to win.
Here's the thing: people tell you to "take a chance", put yourself out there, go for the gold, but they don't follow up, and they don't support the results when you lose. No one wants to take on the responsibility of a loss. Especially in matters of the heart.
I got an email from a friend which really leveled the roller coaster I've been on.
It doesn't matter how old you get, how smart, how mature...when emotion is involved, it's like being a teenager all over again; the insecurities, the angst, erghhh!

So, how many chances do you take? Is it like sitting at the roulette table of life waiting for the big win...knowing that the majority will lose because that's how casino's make money? Or is it like climbing the side of your first Fourteener, know when you reach the top it will be an accomplishment- desperately wanting to quit numerous times along the way, but trekking along until finally you stand at the top...accomplished?

Taking chances involves stepping outside your comfort zone to do something against your better judgment (what you know based on history and probability), with the knowledge that if you lose you may feel stupid because, in all reality, you know better. And Man! I hate listening to, "I told you so's". But, if you win...everyone loves you because true winners take chances.
The thought process that takes a hold of you mid trek though...this is the challenge. The insecurities and the voices of doubt which lead you to quit, to give up 500 yards from the top, to in fact, push your dream aside because "no one else could do it".
I have also seen a man airlifted off of a Fourteener because he wasn't prepared for the journey. I have made it to the top of every Fourteener I have climbed.

I also win at Roulette.

Sometimes taking chances means losing...but what is losing really? A step on the path of life? A realization of a missed action? A need to slow down and reevaluate?
Losing is a concept to maintain strength while winning. Losing is, in fact, the catalyst for winning.
The only issue with taking a chance is not fully appreciating the opportunity to grow, questioning ones' self on the path of opportunity.
The path IS the point.


"When I loved my self enough...I lost my fear of speaking the truth for I have come to see how good it is" ~ Kim McMillen