By Kristina Morgan
I had two very similar conversations this week. Both went something like thUp for Taking a Risk by Coming to Lake Chapalais:
“I’m old now. I can’t take risks like I did when I was younger. It’s very important to me that I feel secure and I really don’t like change. I have basically had the same life for the past 45 years and I’m comfortable as I am. I am intrigued by the idea of visiting Lake Chapala to see if I might like it there but I really can’t see myself taking a risk by moving there to a foreign country….even if I like it.”
Both of these conversations left me questioning what is it about change that to one person feels positive and empowering and to another feels dangerous and uncertain?
What are the benefits in taking a chance?
You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take. ~Wayne Gretzky
Penelope Trunk’s Brazen Careerist says, “Take the question of where to live seriously. Don't let inertia push you toward a big-name city, the place you grew up, or your old college haunts. Make a conscious decision to live somewhere that will improve your quality of life by really understanding what your core needs and interests are–and will be.”
I found an interesting study published by Science Daily that addresses the differences in the ways that people deal with taking risks. They discovered that the willingness to take risks markedly decreases with age and they found, “What is particularly striking is that people who enjoy taking risks are more content with their lives.” (Emphasis mine.)
And , Steve Davis MS, MA, CCUG, Life Coach, says:
“Within each of us, men and women alike, there is an aspect that is built for bold, decisive action. This part of us is instinctual. It looks out, not only for our survival, but also for our soul's mission. It is not concerned about sacrificing Self for another, yet, in certain circumstances will give its very life for another if that is in alignment with its mission. You get messages from this part of yourself all of the time. These messages may come in the form of feelings in your body in response to certain actions, environments, or experiences. They may come in the form of "gut" feelings in certain situations. Or they may be just a sense of direct "knowing" that has no rational foundation. If you are contemplating a difficult transition, and have "contemplated" yourself into a corner, it may be time to let your inner warrior take over for a while. Just experience "knowing" what you need to do, then commit to doing it without thinking anymore about it until it's done.
Don't go to your deathbed wondering what would have happened if...
"It's easy for us to forget how short our lives really are. Many of us live as if we'll never die. We waste away our hours and days working jobs we hate, living just for the weekends, or "putting in time" until retirement, while living like zombies the other 70% of our lives. We may live in a relationship that drains and devalues us thinking it might magically get better somehow, someday. We deny our feelings or make excuses for frittering away our lives. Enough I say! I challenge you to project yourself forward to your death. It's real and it's coming for you! No questions about it. See yourself on your deathbed and ask yourself if the life you're living now is all you dreamt it to be. Write your own obituary today. How close are you to living your passion? Let this vision be a motivator to get off your butt and follow your dreams! “
Wow, those are powerful words!
I didn’t want to live my life by default in a place I never consciously chose but I just happened to be if I had a choice. And I do. We all have the ability to make that choice at some point in our lives and usually more than once. If I hadn’t been willing to come here to Lake Chapala I would have missed the most beautiful, fulfilling and fun experience of my life. I don’t want to just chalk this up to an “experience,” though. This is my new home. A place that embraces me and all my quirks and has taught me how to live and laugh again and continue taking chances as I watch my life unfold into my very own story with enough twists and turns to keep me challenged and engaged. No 70% zombie life for me, thanks!
Lake Chapala isn’t for everyone and thank Heaven it isn’t or the area would be completely full with other people seeking a life adventure, a place to grow and a place to finally be exactly who you are! But if you do think this might be for you then please come on a Focus on Mexico 8 Day educational program. We’re here to help; you’ll know after a week if you could live here happily. If you think this might be for you then click here and join us . No matter what, you’ll never regret the time you spend here whether it’s just a week or some of the most important years of your life.
Kristina Morgan: Director of Public Relations for FocusOnMexico .
Focus On Mexico offers 8-Day Educational Programs to Ajijic and Lake Chapala, Mexico (2nd Best Climate in the World). Join us on a Focus program and learn why thousands of Americans and Canadians chose to retire in Lake Chapala.
Our programs offer the perfect balance; a wonderful vacation and an insightful, educational experience. Our expert speakers cover all topics: Health Care, Real Estate, Legal System, Immigration, Bringing Pets, Cost of Living, US Taxes for Americans, Non-Residency for Canadians, Living on the Lakeside, Investing in Mexico, Mexican Economy and much more...
You’ll get everything you need to help you decide if Lake Chapala, Mexico is the place for you, plus have a lot of fun doing it. Retiring in Mexico couldn't be better.