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10 Chances You Won’t Regret Taking
[success]The universe has no restrictions. You place restrictions on the universe with your expectations. ~ Deepak Chopra[/success]
Life’s journey takes us down roads we hadn’t even thought to travel. We may share the path together, we might invite others to join us, but the one thing we don’t want to do is waste this one-time trip on worrying if we’re on the right path.
If you’re on it, it’s right for you right now.
Sometimes we over complicate things. Sometimes we hit a place that’s incredibly painful and sometimes we place value on things that turn out not to be valuable at all.
You need to be aware there’s no need to be anxious for what lies ahead. And no need to beat yourself up for what lies behind.
Relax, it will become clearer, you will grow and evolve, you will find the one who’ll love you the best. You can’t fail at life, unless you stop living it.
Recognize that each day gives you a new chance. Be willing to take it. Jump at all the chances life gives you on the way to living your dreams.
Give yourself the chances you deserve, because if you don’t, you might just miss the best thing that could ever happen to you. Life is always about making the best of it, wherever you are.
Heres how:
1. Take a chance on branching out
Sometimes you just have to take that leap of faith. Even when it feels as though you’re jumping off a high ledge. When your instincts and intuition tell you to leap, even when it defies logic and seems crazy, do it.
Ignore the fact you don’t think you’re ready. Ignore the heart stopping fear that’s pounding in your ears. Even though it isn’t what you planned, just go for it. Your inner being usually knows best.
You’ve got this.
2. Take a chance on loss as you seek to grow
In order to grow we have to let go. In order to move forward and evolve we have to let go. It takes courage to start all over again but it’s not about going back to the beginning. You’re starting from a place of more knowledge, more power more strength and more wisdom.
Whether it’s letting the past go, letting someone go who doesn’t deserve you in their life, or letting go of creations and experiences, sometimes we just have to clear our hearts and let go.
And yes, there will be a loss. And no, it won’t break you.
Break out of your shell, find something that touches your heart and keep moving towards the things that matter most to you.
3. Take a chance on new desires
Working out what to keep and what to let go of can be one of life’s greatest challenges. I know of what I speak. I’ve just let Reflecting A Life go…it’s evolved into Live Purposefully Now…just in case you hadn’t noticed!
It wasn’t an easy decision. There is loss involved. Yet, the greatest risk is often the risk of doing nothing and settling for what already is.
My desire is always to grow, to evolve and support you in bigger and better ways, so you can see the greatest version of yourself and learn strategies to create the life of your dreams.
Change answered my call.
Be cautious in your desires. Each one is a call for change and the answer is always yes.
Sometimes the change is forced upon you and sometimes you just go for it. But know for sure that you asked for it with your desire for something different, something better, something that fits the person you’ve become.
4. Take a chance on not following the rules
Some rules don’t deserve to be followed. They confine and minimize and make you smaller than you truly are. Be brave enough to determine how you can live life on your terms without hurting others or yourself.
Who says you have to follow someone else’s rules?
Refuse to always follow convention; sometimes it feels great to leap before looking, to laugh in the face of troubles, to dance even when others are watching and tenaciously refuse to march to another’s drum. Listen to your heart and you’ll know what you need to be doing.
5. Take a chance on being kinder than necessary
Not everybody deserves your kindness. Give it anyway. Not because of who they are, but because of who you are. When all is said and done there are going to be many things you regret, don’t add not being kinder to the list. (Read George Saunders graduation speech)
Do little things that make the world a better place. Look for the good in everyone, including yourself.
When you fail, or feel less than, practice compassion and understanding towards yourself and turn off the inner critic who loves to blame and shame Then, when you fall asleep at night you’ll know, whatever else happened that day, it was successful because you were kinder than necessary.
6. Take a chance on making mistakes
Life is basically a whole bunch of mistakes strung together. Like it or not, if you don’t try, you’re not going to be leading the life you want.
Your dreams are only possible if you are willing to make mistakes, get it wrong and continue to live enthusiastically knowing your mistakes are powerful tools that support you to become better than before.
Begin to see mistakes as opportunities to do something different, be someone different.
Remember every path you took, every choice you selected, made you who you are today. Even when those choices felt like a huge mistake.
Often the only reason many are living their dreams is because a mistake they made took them down the right path.
7. Take a chance on love
Everyone has been disappointed in love. And it’s painful when the single most important person in your world hurts you. You’re left feeling a little lost. That’s normal. But you can’t stay there; you must never reach a point when you get hurt so much that you get used to it.
A better thing to get used to is the idea that you deserve so much better. Understand that when you love yourself, when you’re willing to be yourself, and when you allow yourself to shine you’ll discover that ideal person who’s willing to celebrate the one of a kind creation that you are.
8. Take a chance on change
One thing you can be sure of is that change is inevitable. Don’t resist, it only makes things harder. Turn your attention away from what was on to what’s about to be, on to creating the new.
It’s okay that you don’t want to feel uncomfortable, it’s okay that you’d rather have a quick and easy ‘how to’ list and it’s okay that like most of us, you’d rather skip over the challenges of change.
Begin to expect every ending to be followed by a new beginning and change won’t seem so hard and scary.
Remember you’re not the person you were a month ago or even a week ago, and in another month’s time you’ll be someone new again. Don’t underestimate yourself. Believe in yourself. You are powerful enough to handle everything that life throws at you.
9. Take a chance on forgiveness
Forgiving others benefits you the most. It’s a reflection of the love you have for yourself and brings peace to your heart. You deserve that.
Seize every opportunity to take the chance to forgive, don’t close your heart forever…it’s the whole point of being here. Each time you remain open hearted and forgiving you empower yourself and release yourself from the prison of bitterness.
Forgiveness brings the gift of a clean slate, accept it; turn your back on the hurts and head towards the light of a brighter, better new day.
10. Take a chance on being you
Start to own the magnificent being you are, the positive qualities you have, and the wonderful things you’ve accomplished so far in your life. If you’re not being you, who are you being? You’re not here to be a pale imitation of someone else; your time here isn’t limitless why waste it on trying to be someone you’re not?
Sometimes the difference between being successful or not, is the courage to bet on yourself and your ideas; how can you do that when you’re trying to be someone else?
Today’s the day to start focusing on your vision, and stop wasting your time and energy trying to be who someone else thinks you should be. Rise to the incredible potential within you. It’s your gifts and talents that are needed in our world. You are a unique, marvellous gift and your presence blesses us all.
Over to you. Do share in the comments below the biggest insight you’re taking away from this week’s post. Or, if you’ve found yourself taking chances recently, tell us what happened and what helped you overcome any fear or doubt.
As always, we appreciate your kindness, compassion and encouragement. Your story may be exactly what someone else needs to find their way onto the path that’s right for them.
Encourage one another.
With love and appreciation,
Elle
PS If you enjoy my work, and you’re so inclined, please share with your friends or online. Word of mouth really is the best; readers totally respect the views of other readers.
Dear Elle,
Congratulations on the new blog title and related changes. It feels so right!
I’m taking away an “energy” from this post. The energy of just doing it, but also relaxing about it all too. I love that combination so much!
Hi Sandra, and thank you. There’s certainly loss involved. Like all those thousands of shares accumulated over the past 3 years! But I’m at peace with the process. How often you and I end up in the same place from entirely differing roads we travel. Love it. ♥
I did notice the change, wow. It must be invigorating!
I no longer look at mistakes (when I’m trying out new things) as mistakes. To me its a learning opportunity. I have to do something to figure out the next step, to know what works. Once you know what doesn’t work you’re a step closer to find out what does.
Taking chances is a part of growth.
~Lea
Wise words as always Lea. I read somewhere that when something is scary it’s probably good to try it. It seems smart to be less afraid of trying something different than continuing to live in the past. And it’s wonderful that you’ve reached an understanding with yourself that making mistakes simply means you’re learning something. ღ
Hi Elle
You really are an inspiration. I did not notice the change till I checked Reflecting the live and I saw the new title. I actually sent you a twitter message and tried to contact you thinking there was an issue.
Wow! i did not realize that you changed. It really was a tough decision but I am impressed. Thanks for sharing this great article as I hyped with energy
Hello Ikechi and welcome to the community. I suppose it would be true to say that I practice what I preach! 🙂
Hi Elle; first congrats on following your own advice and taking the risk of changing the site. I know this can be very scary as you don’t know if your readers will follow you to the new location. YOu also worry about the technical issues of transferring posts comments pages etc. I think the best thing I can tell someone is to build a community or an online family if you will. the more people who you can truly be yourself with who also know what you are trying to do and why and who will support you unconditionally. I have been fortunate to make many close friends through my blogging and exchanging comments. I’ve gotten to know you Elle through all the wonderfully positive posts you share with us. and after a while these can lead to exchanging emails phone calls or even meeting in person. I also encourage people to find a mentor. and if there is someone who is holding you back by disrespecting your dreams and belittling your actions; then you need to remove them from your life or at least do what you can to minimize their impact on you. I have taken more than a few leaps in the past year and I wish more people would take that first step or the next one instead of thinking or worrying while they stay where they are. thanks again for a great post Elle. Take care, max
Hi Max what a thoughtful, insightful comment. I think the best thing about taking that leap is when you get to look back and can see it wasn’t as huge as it seemed, yet brought about wonderfully, beautiful additions to life. Kudos to you for being willing to jump. 🙂
Elle, the new site feels and looks fantastic !
And another great article to boot !
“when you allow yourself to shine, you’ll be able to discover that person who is willing to celebrate you ! ”
Wow ! So very true !
Write on, Elle !
Hi Joseph, how nice to have you back and I so appreciate you stopping by, especially ‘cos you’re saying such nice things! Thank you for your words of encouragement. 🙂
Hello Elle,
New to your blog, love your inspirational words. I have been separated from my wife of 8 years. I thought that I’m over her but I find myself missing her still. I belive in my mind that whatever I have done to her during our relationship is coming back to haunt me. Maybe I not over this relationship because I’m still not accepting why we broke up and when do it all went wrong. We have been together for 15 years and married for 8 years. And we have been apart since January of this year. Feeling lost and confuse about life. ..
Hi Chheng. I’m so sorry to hear that you’re feeling so sad and lost. It’s obviously still very painful for you.
Sometimes the hardest thing for us all to do is to let go, so we can heal. Instead we keep returning to that picture in our head of how it’s supposed to be. I shall be imagining a happier future for you and please join me in that for yourself. You deserve it. We all deserve happiness. ღ
Hey Elle,
You came up with the perfect name and tagline! I love the abundant living part. Everything you write leads to abundant living. That’s what I like about your blog. Way to go on all of your hard work.
Aww thank you Tess. It ‘aint easy starting all over again…but practicing what I preach I know it’s from a place of greater strength, knowledge and understand. And with you in my corner, how can I not experience great things! 🙂
Congratulations on the name change. Number 1,2,3,6, and 10 are huge reminders for me to go after my dreams. I am currently taking steps to direct my first dramatic short and I am super excited but scared and nervous that it will be terrible, but I am finally doing something that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. I’m no longer afraid of failure. I’ll learn as I go : D. Thanks for the reminder.
Yay Sebastian…I say go for it. We’re all learning as we go and given that we’re not here for every I say what the heck…give it all a whirl and imagine happy dances all around. 🙂
I feel so good after reading this…Yes I like taking chances and I want to keep taking chances in my life…Because if I don’t I’ll never know…And I don’t want to live with ‘What ifs?”
Thanks for this
Hi Nabanita and welcome to the community. Love that you’re taking chances. What a great insight you’ve had, not wanting to life with ‘what if’s’. Live is too flipping short for that. You and I are in the same boat kiddo…let’s sink or swim together! 🙂
Hi Elle,
Let me join the chorus of congratulations for changing the blog title.
Though I have already complimented you on the great looks of the site,but honestly I didn’t notice the change of name,if indeed it was changed already when I visited last.
Awsome site.And .keep going.!
I like your bullet no. 5 about kindness.This is something we need for the benefit of our own growth.
By the way I have a special story on my blog about a little soul in need of dire financial help,any help.
I would appreciate it if you could spare a minute for the cause.
Thanks
Mona
Hi Mona, always glad to see you here and I wish you every success with the venture on your site. It’s always a worthwhile visit. 🙂
Hi Elle! I LOVE the new blog title, great choice! I was watching a You Tube video with Tara Stiles the other day and she was wearing a shirt that said “who made the rules”. I love that you also brought this concept to light, that we are not obligated to follow a set of rules that no longer work for us, and might even be doing us harm! Those are the rules that make no sense to follow, and we are better off giving ourselves permission to step outside the box and make things better for those around us who might be dying to break them as well but need a bit of inspiration.
Hi Annie, love the idea of that shirt! It’s so true tho’ we all get caught up in the rules given us when we were little kids without ever being able to deliberately accept or reject them. Don’t you think that it often happens that by living life the way we feel it should be lived, for us, that it gives other people permission to do the same. I’m not a therapist, but I’ve seen that happen so often. I like the way you put it, we then give inspiration to others to do the same. 🙂
Brilliant post ! enjoyed reading every bit of it. Thanks for sharing !
G Angela
Hello G Angela how lovely to see you in our community. I so appreciate you taken the time to let me now you enjoyed the post…thank you. 🙂
Hi Elle,
There’s a possibility of a big change coming up in my life. I’m excited and saddened. So I loved your reading your post tonight. “Take A Chance On Change” really inspired!
Thanks!
xoxo
Hi Betsy…it was ever thus. Being willing to let go of what was before experiencing what’s waiting to be. Talk about the cycle of life! 🙂
Hi Elle,
This is what I am afraid of “Take a chance on making a mistake” and I agree with you that I am not here without my past mistakes. Life took me where I am now because I have learned from my mistakes. I should begin to see mistakes as opportunities to do something different, be someone different (as what you’ve said).
Your posts are always making me feel comfortable to do new things!
Thanks Elle!
Thats a lovely thought Patricia…that you’re becoming comfortable doing new things. How often we avoid them because of some fear or doubt we have, yet life needs to be lived, and enjoyed and danced through as much as possible. We’re not here that long! 🙂
That’s why if you can, take the chance.
So true Aras. 🙂
Amazing List! These are the 10 best chances we’ll never regret taking! I especially love the fifth one – Take a chance on being kinder than necessary!
I feel inspired after reading them…
Thanks for the invaluable advice!
Hello Z.L and welcome to the conversation. I always appreciate the time and effort of those who stop by to leave their perspective and I hope we’ll be hearing much more from you in the future. I do believe you have some interesting ideas to share with us. 🙂
Hi Elle!
Thank you very much for the great blog.
Taking chance is all I am practicing this time,especially to let go things or someone who does not deserve me.
I have been trying let go that person for one year and it feels like I am making positive progress.
At this time I am taking a big step to study new course of Medical school but I am terribly afraid of my age.Being 33 years old I wonder how I will make this dream of childhood to come a reality someday.
Anyone here to be my mentor?
Because I am not happy for the job which I have doing for the last six years.Though I had to work for my responsibilities.
Thank you very much for your great inspiration.
Hi Enatha, it’s lovely to hear from you. It sounds as though your inner strength is showing through with regards to your relationship. And as for your age…why let a little thing like that get in your way. People way older than you have accomplished amazing things in life. Scientists, doctors, inventors…many of whom didn’t achieve much until they were in their sixties…so for for it. Believe you can. Believe you did it and the ways for it and the universe will come to your aid, bringing people and experiences to help you get there.
Your job is the easy part. Just believe. 🙂
chances should be taken without hesitation because sometimes they’re irreplaceable, the act of backing down is faulty in any case and should be avoided
Thanks for your input Elmehdi. Nice to hear from you. 🙂