#taking risks

I keep standing at the edge of lives I haven't lived yet.

Every path asks for a version of me I haven't met.

Safety has become a room with no windows, where nothing breaks, but nothing grows.

Still— the thought of leaving feels like stepping into water without knowing if the bottom ever arrives.

I envy people who mistake certainty for courage.

I only have questions, stacked like unopened letters, all addressed to a future that refuses to answer back.

The cruelest part is that comfort can feel like drowning so slowly you mistake it for breathing.

And risk—

risk wears the face of every nightmare my mind has rehearsed a thousand times for a disaster that hasn't happened.

So I remain between the life that no longer fits and the one I'm too afraid to claim.

Waiting for certainty to knock.

Knowing—

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky Summary “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” is one of the most quoted motivational statements in modern history. Attributed to hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, the quote has transcended sports and become a universal principle for success, entrepreneurship, career growth, leadership, education, and personal development. The message…

Daily writing promptDescribe a risk you took that you do not regret.View all responses It was always going to be a risk to send out my work for other people to read. I have always tinkered around with writing but never really put my work out there for consideration. Until a few years ago, when the pandemic hit and lets face it, people had time on their hands, lots of time. I realised that…

Caleb believes his jet to Spain may never leave, and his first journey abroad might be jinxed. The solution to his stress and frustration could be going home, as 76 might be too old to start traveling. But he has already allowed his fears of heights and planes to prevent him from going to France to once again see the woman who declared her love for him fifty years ago. Now, she is dying, and all…

Happy New Year to you all!

Have you come up with any resolutions, are you taking any risks in 2026?

Resolutions are overrated. For me, I never stick to them. Life always interrupts my resolutions. Taking risks however, there is something enchanting about them. Taking a risk leads you to test boundaries and learn about yourself. Personally, it's trusting the universe, the higher power, and yourself for me. Putting faith in the hands of the unknown is daunting, but sometimes it's the right thing todo.

I have had a fight with my current routine for about 3 years now. I took a huge risk that I leaped to without thinking or taking certain things into consideration. I picked up and moved home for personal reasons that had a change of outcome that knocked me on my ass. I have fought the devil everyday since. I am surrounded by a negative aroma that reeks of "you are in the wrong place."

I decided in November 2025 that this year, 2026, I was going to take a huge risk and find myself. My last day at my job will be Saturday, February 14th. Yes, Valentines day. I am super excited and scared all at the same time. Oh, by the way, I do not have another job lined up and I have $1600 of monthly bills to pay.

Have you ever had that feeling in the pit of your stomach that you know the decision you are going to make is dumb, but you have such a powerful pull to the decision that it feels like the right thing todo? That's me in this moment. This decision came with ease. I had a lot to consider. I put preparations into place to make sure I have crossed my T's and dotted my I's. I am so tired of living the life that I am certain is not for me.

My value is high and I am tired of being taken for granted. Whether it's by myself or others. Miss Taylor Swift had a lot to do with my decision to quit my job and find myself. I have been told my whole life that my passion for acting is not practical. That I need a position in a balanced and reliable career. This time is different. I choose not to listen to those people. They do not make my life choices or handle what consequences I have coming for me.

I was shocked to have found so much positive support from my family and friends after I told them what my first 4 months of 2026 will look like for me. I will never get to jump on opportunities, find myself, take time for my mental health, or get back into acting if I do not leave my job. My current routine is unhealthy. I give way more than 100% and I have nothing to really show for it. My team disrespects me (not my whole team, but it is a domino effect). I have new management that have disrespected me and offended me every way possible. My current routine: get up, take care of my animals, go to work, come home, take care of my animals, and go to sleep. Then, I wake up and do it all over again. Time stamps are not consistent. Sometimes, I don't get home until 3 a.m. because I am having to pick up slack at work to meet the demand of what is asked of myself and my team. I am contracted for 45 hours a week and I constantly work 50 - 60 hours with no over time. Yes, I am salary. My assistant manager and shift lead are constantly telling me to go home or overwork themselves so that I am not taking on one more task that other team members are more than capable of handling but always choose to leave for me todo. Literally, throws it in a box and leaves a note for me to do it.

My current life is unacceptable. It is not fair to me, my animals, my family (who constantly ask for me to spend time with them - but can't because of work), or my friends (who I give all my love to for sticking with me through the rough times). My health is poor. I have lost touch with my creative side, my hobbies, and myself. I know in my gut and in my heart that this is not the life I am meant to live. I know that I am destined for more. Therefore, I am going to go after the life I am meant to live. Risks are scary. This one screams at me that I have to do this if I want my life back. It oddly gives me a comforting feeling and not a negative one.

I have applied to many jobs since I have made my decision and I keep getting rejected. The main reason is because I am over qualified. When I no longer have a job, I will be calling around and going into businesses to speak with hiring managers. I have a plan. It is a good plan. Just might be a stupid one for now. Or it could be the best decision I have made as of yet.

Have you ever chose to quit your job and find yourself? If so, do you have any advice? - asking for a friend ;D

sincerely,

Writemind