This week we embarked upon one of our annual traditions – a day trip to a favourite seaside resort. We have undertaken this trip for several years now – and – it has it’s own traditions.

We walk from one end of the resort to the other – aiming for strategic places – to pause – eat – drink – and take in the sights. One of our favourite stops – is to sit overlooking the sea – eating fish and chips. Somehow they seem to take on a special flavour – with that salt air surrounding us.

There is just one slight problem though – I am allergic to the fish – not in any life threatening way – I simply experience an itchy skin reaction – but anyway – I decided to – ‘take the risk’ – and gosh – I did enjoy them. However – I did end up having an almost sleepless night – with all the itching – leaving me with the question – ‘was it worth it?’

The conclusion that I came to – was – ‘yes’ – in spite of the discomfort – it was definitely worth it – and at the end of the day – “What is life – without a little risk”.

Deciding to take the risk – by eating the fish – was quite a small risk.

But – looking back on my life – I recognise there have been those times when I have taken greater ‘risks’ – when I have stepped out – experienced new things – gone to places I never even dreamt of.

And I’m so glad I did – it was all worth it – and far better than regret – for as someone said – “The cost of never taking a risk – is spending the rest of your life – wishing you had.”

I am so glad that I have learned to take risks – and not to simply opt out for a ‘safe life’.

I think this quote expresses it so well – “A ship is safe in harbour – but that’s not what ships are for” – ships are made for travel – for adventure – and yes – carry a ‘risk’ too – but I have loved every bit of my travel on the ‘sea of life’.

And I would rather take a ‘risk – even though – “To love is to risk not being loved in return – to hope is to risk pain – to try is to risk failure – but risk must be taken – because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing”.

So – I choose – to go on ‘taking risks’ – stepping out – daring to ‘explore’ – eager to see how much further life will take me.

For – “Only those who will risk going too far – can possibly find out – how far it is possible to go.”

Blessings – Lois