Tiny Risks

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. (Anaïs Nin)

I have been trying something new lately — taking small, tiny risks. They are so small, I doubt if any one else would even notice or dare to call them risks. It is a fun little practice. Something that nudges me outside my comfort zone. If you are looking for a way to switch things up, I recommend you try it.

This started when I was trying to find a mat towel for hot yoga classes. Lululemon had a grey one that felt like the safe choice, but they also had this white and black striped one with a jungle leaf pattern on it. Sounds a little crazy, right? Well, I usually buy "basics" for my wardrobe and accessories... so buying it felt daring and risky to me.

It is a silly example, but I was waffling back and forth as if it were a big decision. Do you ever agonize over tiny things? I find myself spending time and brain power on small decisions that don't matter one way or another. Maybe it is a form of procrastination, or a way to distract myself from bigger things.

Either way, I am working to make quick, tiny risks with the small decisions. I bought the crazy jungle, striped yoga mat and moved on with my life.

This strategy works for all sorts of things. If there is a recipe you have been wanting to try, go for it. If there is a workout class that looks intriguing, give it a try. If you find yourself thinking of excuses not to try something, pause, turn around, and take that tiny risk.

Do not let the fear of failure, or the force of routine, stop you from the little joys in life. Tiny risks require a small effort, but they can have a big impact on your happiness.

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