A Drift of Quills: Risky Business

A Drift of Quills is talking about risky business—that is, we’re sharing something we’ve gained (or lost) by taking a risk. Sometimes getting out of bed in the morning is a risk, and so many things can/could happen after that!

‘It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. you step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.’

~JRR Tolkien

I’m not much of a risk-taker.

I am perfectly happy to stay home and quiet without any spikes of adrenalin or pounding pulse, thankyouverymuch. My husband frequently called me a houseplant. He was the adventurous one.

Now and then, though, I break out of my pot and try something crazy. Like spelunking… You can read about that particular adventure HERE, but today we’re talking about something gained or lost by taking a risk. And for someone seriously lacking any kind of athletic skills, climbing and crawling through a CAVE in the DARK offered a formidable challenge. I’ve got to tell you, sometimes walking gives me trouble, and we are not going to talk about the single step down into the garage today, uh-uh—though I do have to share what my daughter said after my accident:

“I knew you were rediscovering yourself, but I had no idea you were interested in gymnastics. It’s not for everyone. You will find your calling.”

Gotta love a good sense of humor… (I really did laugh!)

Starting in my childhood, I’ve been told how clumsy I am. Those kids in elementary school always picked last for any sports? That was me. I actually had a gym teacher send me off to the corner to do “stuff” while she taught the less, er, handicapped members of the class.

Humiliating? Yeah, a bit.

Damaging? Certainly. The things I couldn’t do didn’t take long to turn into things that frightened me to do.

Trying some of those terrifying things was—is!—a deliberate choice. It comes with doubt, sweaty palms, heart palpitations, and the likelihood of hyperventilation. And what happens if I get stuck halfway? Fall and break myself? Hurt someone else?

Despite my apprehensions, I … crawled through that cave. And it was hard—not just because of the fear, but because it also required physical strength and coordination I didn’t have.

Except I did.

It was exhausting but exhilarating. And if I could do that, I could face another fear and go snorkeling, right? You bet your boots I did! There have been some hikes that once would have put me off, but I did them. Each challenge has made the next one a little easier. I’ve lost my champion “coaxer/pusher/cheerleader,” but I can do things.

Are you ready to check out more Quillish risky business?

---

PATRICIA REDING

Author of the Oathtaker Series
Patricia’s website

I have a confession. In truth, I’m not much of a risk taker. That said, there is one risk I took that ultimately changed the course of my life…

---

P.S. BROADDUS

Author of The Unseen Chronicles
Parker’s website

Parker is currently fighting his way out from under an attack of evil trolls. Armed with wit, optimism, and strength of character, he will prevail!

 

~   ~   ~   ~   ~  ~   ~   ~   ~   ~  ~   ~   ~   ~   ~  ~   ~   ~   ~   ~

Share about something you have gained or lost from taking a risk in the comments below!

 

Header and Pinterest photo by Brady Knoll from Pexels