Programmed to Avoid Risk

Everything worthwhile takes risk. Even the simplest act of meeting new people has inherent risk. We are always one interaction away from feeling humiliated, embarrassed, not good enough.

Breaking Routine

This is why many of us choose safety and comfort over risk. We will avoid going out of our routine or changing expectations of the day. This is from someone who must talk themselves into stopping for coffee. Yesterday, I finally stopped at a coffee shop I have passed every day for years, it felt wonderful.

When we are successful in breaking the norm, the first thing we will realize is there was never a reason to avoid it. I barely take time for a deep breath; how can I expect to allow myself the privilege to do nothing?

Daily Achievements

Another aspect of programming is achieving something every day. To simply sit still and relax is often a difficult task. Have you ever had lunch and gobbled it down because you need to get back to work?

Nature is my strength and comfort, but I often have difficulty stopping to enjoy it without tasks and thoughts rushing in and I’m back to the daily grind.

The concept of changing is a process much like how we’ve been programmed. The first feeling is discomfort, if we can get past that, we start feeling a rush of calm. The fear and instinct to avoid is a strong tendency, when we break the cycle, our bodies feel anxious then relieved.

The anxiety will quickly subside as we overcome the initial obstacle. We will often realize how much time passes without us being present. The feeling of time eludes us and we are often simply stumbling through.

In Real Life Situations

This weekend I drove to see the fall foliage. During the initial miles, I felt anxious, what am I doing heading somewhere foreign? I shouldn't be spending money, the leaves don't look so great; all doubts creeping in and they speak loudly.

My favorite place to be is the open road and even that is failing to give me joy. This is a very frightening feeling for someone who always chooses joy over negativity.

I changed my scope and direction from far north Arkansas to the very top of Oklahoma. I visited Chickasaw National Recreation Area. On my arrival that familiar feeling of excitement and freedom finally showed itself.

I talked to the rangers, I took a walking trail to see springs. I found what I was looking for. Sitting beside Buffalo Spring-I was amazed by the colors, the sounds, the beauty-I was home.

It is amazing how the feeling subside and if you continue to ignore them, they will eventually cease to be an obstacle.

Yesterday-walking the dog, I stopped along a stream to watch crawfish and frogs dart about and dragonflies bouncing about the surface. It was a beautiful moment-my inner child smiled.