Friday, March 5

Taking Chances

One thing I've learned from the travel writing class I've been taking is this, no one really cares what we have to say, unless it's family, close friends, or a significant other. So, with that being said, and although everyone who reads my blog most likely falls under one of those categories anyway, if you don't feel like reading "deep thoughts by Amy" below, I won't be offended.

Life is hard, it's scary, it's challenging, it's full of ups and downs, and smooth sailing after getting out of, sometimes, the roughest of currents. But through thick and thin, life is rewarding, life is awesome, and life is full of so many opportunities that should be seized upon, if we'd only be willing to take chances.

If there's one thing I've learned in my 24 years of life, it's that no matter what decisions I make, no matter what dumb things I choose to do, and no matter what the outcome may be, good or bad, there is always a lesson to be learned and personal growth to follow. So, why do I still make it hard on myself to make decisions, to take a leap of faith, and to trust in the Lord for what he has in store for me, knowing that no matter what, I'll grow from my decision? "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not fear not" D&C 6:36 It's a simple phrase but contains a powerful message. If everything I do, I do it until the Lord, there's no room to fear, to doubt, to question, to worry, or to stress about the decisions I'm trying to make.

Sometimes I think I'm too good at being cynical, too good at trying to see through things, and find fault, and too good at finding a reason not to do something that I know will be hard. But where does that get me? Except in a miserable and selfish state of mind. Not somewhere I'm particularly aching to be. Yet I do it anyway, thinking maybe I'm protecting myself from hurt and pain, or disappointment and grief. But where will that ever get anyone, if we're always shying away from growing opportunities? A withered up ball of nothingness?

Life is about growth. Life is about serving others, not serving ourselves. Life is about finding happiness, and finding purpose and meaning behind what we do. By not doing hard things, making sacrifices, and taking chances, blessings can't follow, and I don't think we can really know true happiness that way. It's easy to be selfish and to do things merely for our own sake, without others in mind. As the youngest of four, I hate to admit that I've had/have my selfish moments in life. Sometimes I only have myself in mind, and want to know what's in it for me. Where is the good in that? Where is the growth? Where is the happiness?

So, in the words of Glee (who I may be obsessed with at the moment and actually did a remix off of Celine Dion's song)

What do you say to taking chances,
What do you say to jumping off the edge?
Never knowing if there's solid ground below
Or hand to hold, or hell to pay,
What do you say?

It's time to take more chances in life, to make more big decisions (as if moving to DC wasn't big enough), and to take a leap of faith and trust in the Lord, realizing that in the end, good or bad, it will all be worth it. And if you're wondering, NO, I'm not getting married!

2 comments:

Colie said...

I'm just glad we can be there for each other during this crazy thing called "life" (Note: not the cereal). Love ya!

trentathon said...

That was very well-written, I loved it!