THE EVERGREEN PATH OF TAKING CHANCES; A REFLECTION.

Rumi once penned those profound words, "what we want wants us too." The first time I encountered this wisdom in the verses of his poetry, a soothing serenity washed over me. I've long held the belief that manifestation requires action, but the idea that our desires are drawn to us with the same magnetic force was a revelation. It ignited a fire within me, urging me to take even bolder chances, to venture into uncharted waters.

During a recent heart-to-heart with a dear friend, she spoke of her penchant for taking days off, where she does almost nothing. "I don't want to run around like a headless chicken or like a hamster on a treadmill," were her candid words. We both understood the importance of these interludes – moments to heal from the relentless hustle and regain clarity. Taking chances demands courage, for it's not always smooth sailing. Setbacks and failures can dent our faith in the journey.

Forgiveness is a crucial companion on this path, not just forgiveness for those around us but for ourselves as well. It requires unwavering faith, faith in the evolving version of ourselves we strive to become, and the hope that with each stride, we're inching closer to that better self.

If Rumi's wisdom holds true, then it's our duty to discern if what we ardently fight for daily is what we genuinely desire. Why should it feel like a perpetual uphill battle if what we yearn for is on its way to us? Perhaps we often confuse our true desires with superficial substitutes, attempting to fill voids in our lives. Maybe what you truly want is just taking a bit longer to arrive, not due to cosmic denial, but as an opportunity to gain absolute clarity.

This way, when it does arrive, you'll have the capacity to cherish and nurture it, offering the appreciation it genuinely deserves. As you continue taking chances, remember that with each shot, each miss might simply be a stride closer to hitting the mark meant solely for you.

I'm a firm believer that we, as humans, often fall short in taking the chances we ought to in a single lifetime. We experiment with a few things and settle, convincing ourselves that we've deciphered the pieces of our personal puzzles. The true exhilaration lies in embracing an open mind, in trying out new things, in perceiving life through fresh lenses. After all, isn't life meant to be a continuous adventure, an unending voyage of discovery?

I don't think anyone still living can claim to have explored all the things they love or experienced everything that fills them up. Sometimes, we choose to settle for the familiar, labeling it as "our thing." Stepping out of our comfort zone can be discomforting, but isn't that what we've always been encouraged to do? I confess, I, too, hesitate before venturing into the unknown. Yet, on the other side of those attempts, lies a tranquility and serenity that words can't fully capture but can only be embraced by those who take the leap into uncharted waters.

Soon, it will be a year since I relocated to China to pursue my Master's degree. Each new day in this enigmatic land unfurls fresh opportunities. From savoring exotic cuisines to indulging in whimsical childlike games in the park as adults, every moment is an invitation to explore. I witness many of my peers retreating into their comfort zones, but I refuse to let this time slip by. I want to see, taste, smell, touch, and experience all I can in this magical place before my clock runs out. I'm having the time of my life and savoring every exquisite second of it.

I've heard it repeated far too often that the prime time for taking chances is in our youth. I grasp the reasoning behind this notion, but I firmly believe that no matter where you find yourself in the journey of life, if you sense that you're not where you want to be in any aspect of your existence, that's your signal to seize the moment. True, as we grow older and bear more responsibilities, caution and finesse become vital companions on this journey. However, we must still summon the courage to take those chances, as they hold the key to manifesting the change we crave.

Embarking on daring quests, only to miss the mark repeatedly, can be an overwhelming experience. It has the power to bury our spirits in pits so deep that the very thought of climbing out becomes daunting. But what if your next attempt could be the pivotal moment when the keys to your dreams are finally handed to you? What if, with absolute certainty, you knew that this time around, your efforts would bear fruit? Would you still wait idly or would you throw every ounce of your being into the pursuit of that cherished dream?

Even if those grand aspirations don't materialize, wouldn't you find solace in the knowledge that you gave it your all, that you took every shot you had to breathe life into the image etched in your heart? There's a certain satisfaction in knowing that you seized the moment, gave your best, and stood center stage when it was your turn.

So, I urge you to keep taking chances, words I often echo to myself to shun complacency and inaction. Life is an awe-inspiring game, and if you're not taking chances, you're not truly playing. It would be a profound regret when the time comes for the game master to close the show, and you're left holding your cards close to your chest. Dare to play, dare to engage before the clock winds down.

I occasionally envision life as an amusement park with a ride for everyone. Not every ride will be tailored to your taste, but if you approach them all with an open heart and patience, you'll discover a ride you love. Instead of obsessing over the obstacle course you struggle to conquer, why not zoom out and behold the bigger picture? You'll notice a multitude of exhilarating rides beckoning for your attention.

When you do take a chance on these rides, some won't deliver instant gratification – most things in life don't. It's curious how we've all had moments of triumph but tend to forget them quickly, moving on to the next challenge. If only we could consciously collect these memories of our victories, big or small, perhaps we'd approach our endeavors with a greater sense of optimism. Regrettably, we often unconsciously amass memories of weakness and defeat, and we allow these to overshadow our next attempts.

In penning this, I recognize that my intention isn't solely to convey this message to you, my readers. It's also for me, to serve as a reminder of my own cherished beliefs and values. As I write this blog post, I acknowledge that I'm probably preaching to the choir in more ways than one. Yet, there's that inner voice, one that won't let us linger in inaction for too long, regardless of who we are or where we hail from. That hunger to take chances resides deep within us, often drowned by fear or an accumulation of negative experiences.

Simply getting up and doing isn't always easy, and that's why many eventually settle and cease to explore. It takes a special kind of courage to keep venturing into the unknown. Unless you've reached a point in your journey where you're content with self-preservation, I implore you to keep taking chances, to keep trying, discovering, and exploring. Don't waste away in safety; live life! Time and energy on this Earth are finite. Invest yours in uncovering the exquisite mosaic that comprises your being. Take chances!

Until we meet again,

Fred Agaba