Risk taking over 50 during 2020
Are you a risk taker? Most of my life, I have not been, but this decision to become an entrepreneur, and to commit completely to this blog and writing is perhaps one of the biggest risks I have ever taken. That is why the theme of the current issue of The Magnolia Journal Magazine captured my attention. I thought, well, Chip and Joanna Gaines have taken many risks so there should be something here to learn.
In her opening editor’s letter, Joanna begins: “ We’ve all dropped anchor in places that suited us for a time. Until, inevitably, the day came when we sensed something new stirring, and we recognized it was time to move past our comfort zones and walk bravely into the unknown. Trusting that instinct to move when we are compelled.” I know that feeling and I have walked bravely into the unknown, but with resolve, purpose, and intention.
Chip asked the biggest question at the end of the magazine, “If fear wasn’t part of the equation, how would your life look different?” I think for me and Mr. B it would have looked very different, but in order to provide for a family, we played it safe.
So far, my decision is exhilarating (yes, an exciting feeling)….I can’t seem to stop working or formulating plans. I am so glad that I have time now to work on what I want to work on. And of course, to have time for a little magazine reading.
TIME AT HOME
I know this has been a difficult time for many, but I have enjoyed the time at home so much, simply because I haven’t been here very much for so long for years.
We began by concentrating in the backyard and to start to create an oasis where both of us can relax and enjoy time with each other, friends, family, and down time.
I have worked to make sure there are places in the house where we can enjoy the backyard views and other places to work and read from quite areas.
Home is definitely a perk for me as I begin growing my own business.
TIME FOR DIY PROJECTS
Now I have the time to do some of the projects I only read about in this magazine and online. Then I can share with you what does and doesn’t work.
This little jar came from my friend Leigh Ann and I just might make this for small Christmas gifts this year for friends. It is a hand scrub and I promise after you use it, your hands are so silky and soft. It is amazing and refreshing!
The recipe came to her from our local amazing grocery, HEB.
COCONUT OIL LEMON SCRUB
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup HEB Organic Coconut Oil
1 tsp lemon zest
Combine all ingredients and place in an airtight glass container. Allow 30 minutes for ingredients to bind well. Using a spoonful (I do not use that much) or a desired amount massage in circular motion for a few seconds and then rinse.
Super easy…right? And your hands are so happy.
TIME TO HAVE FUN IN THE CLOSET
I also have time now to play with the clothing which I allowed to remain in the closet. I am no longer in a hurry out the door and just grabbing whatever I see first. Today, I am wearing around the house this fun Bryn Walker top from Dillard’s, and my JJill cargo pants…I really like the fit of these pants. And one of my favorite pair of ballet flats…they are bronze and by Cole Haan...and I have practically worn them out over several years. I purchased them on a clearance rack at Dillard’s years ago…they have been great!
Now, forget for a moment there is a pandemic, what risks would you like to take at this stage of your life? Anyone have fun plans when COVID-19 is under control?
Please share! Here are some of our favorite brands and if you purchase through these links then you are supporting the blog. I will be returning with slideshows again soon…and some new ideas for the blog and for you!
KEEP SMILING!
JUST A NOTE:
There are several ways that I generate income through this blog in order to cover business expenses and give myself much needed income. Purchases through the slideshow links is one way, ads on the page is one way and a new way is through ordering or re-ordering the GOLI Apple Cider Vinegar gummies through me with my GOLI LINK HERE. Again, if you are not familiar with the benefits of apple cider vinegar, you should speak with your personal physician. My husband and I are sold on the benefits and I am proud to represent this product. I am going to leave this at the bottom of my posts so that when you, friends or family would like to order you can use my link. Thanks for the support. This is a great product; as well as, the ones below!
Mr. B and I love our meals from Sun Basket!
Sun Basket is a delicious, easy, fun home delivery meal plan
My Complexion Loves Chamonix…My esthetician says my complexion is super tight!
All natural, plant-cell technology skincare
By Pamela Lutrell
I just love reading your blog your sunny and bright disposition just shines through and it makes my day!
Thanks for an uplifting read this morning. I took a risk several years ago and at age 57 went to nursing school. I now have a job I love. It’s challenging and demanding, but I am so glad I took the risk and made the change.
This down time has been really special-to think about what is meaningful in my life that I have been doing. I have enjoyed the opportunity to stay at home, pull up the imaginary drawbridge and reevaluate things. I have worked ,both at paid jobs and as an unpaid volunteer. Miss the students I taught, miss the friends from my volunteering. But would I go back? The teaching part, no, I am in the fragile range healthwise and think my type of volunteering is long past. So I am still in the process of figuring out what and how I want to spend my time. Will let you know when I have reached some positive(I hope) conclusions! Appreciate your daily blogs. I enjoy reading intelligent comments and opinions. Helps me work out my own.
I have “played it safe” for many years of my life because I had to provide for myself and my sons, and it fit for that time of life. I’m glad I worked where I did and was able to make as normal a life as possible for them. For me, the big risk came when I decided to retire. After working almost 50 years (yikes!!), it was WAY out of my comfort zone to retire. I have no regrets, though there was an adjustment period. I’m not taking the virus into account as I move through this stage of life, I’m moving forward. My life hasn’t really changed, especially now that things are open. Travel was always important to me, and I’ve continued to do it, and I’m also getting my house ready to sell, not waiting for things to change. I love the question posed by Chip Gaines, because he nailed it. Fear is what holds us back from so much. So much of my life has been spent living in that fear, and doing what I was taught was the “right thing”. In recent years I have been taking the small steps toward freedom from fear. Moving is a big party of that. Small steps take a long time, but they are steps in the right direction. I still feel more comfortable with the familiar, but am now willing to move out of that comfort zone. I am a planner, like you mentioned being. I’m looking forward to the future, especially making a new home for myself!
I always enjoy reading your blog. It brings a smile to my face. I turn 67 today. I have never been a risk taker but I think I should start. I plan on retiring soon perhaps that will be my first risk
Great blog this morning! Loved Chip’s question. Made me pause for a moment.
We took a risk last November moving a far distance but closer to family. Has been a great decision!
I also have been trying to make our new home comfortable and felt I had accomplished that when my 11 year old great niece told me she liked our house because it felt cozy. Drop the mike, mission accomplished 😊
Any change is scary and not so easy once you get comfortable. We moved from our home of 35 years about 8 years ago and while I was frightened, it’s turned out to be one of the best things we ever did. We always played it safe having children to raise and a small business to run. Now, with all going on with Covid, I’m starting to see that more changes will be coming. We will more than likely need to move again to a less expensive area with a smaller home. I work in a school and am petrified to return to work as I am in a vulnerable age group. I need to figure out what other things I can pursue if not returning to my job. Just so many things I never thought I’d be facing at this time in my life. Turning scary into exciting is not easy!!!
I am impressed how you and Mr. B work together to achieve a common goal. Your post today was great. I am retired and have been busy with volunteering which has completely changed with the onset of Covid 19. This down time has given me a change to catch up with my to do list, read fun books and address how to go forward. Love to travel and have decided to see parts of my state I have not visited before. And there are places in my city I have not gone to so they are on my list.
Greetings from the Oregon coast! Love this morning’s topic and I also enjoy Magnolia magazine, so had already pondered Chip and Joanna’s thoughts on not letting fear hold us back. I’d have to say that I started out rather fearless and with a good sense of adventure: traveled independently from the time I was about nine years old, flying back and forth across country; by the time I was 16, I was spending my summers, and later full semesters, abroad. I brought back a “souvenir” at age 20, my Costa Rican boyfriend! Bought my first house at age 22 and went to work as a counselor in the jails at 23. So, although I wasn’t out bungee jumping, I was very self confident and never let fear or self doubt get in my way. Motherhood and maturity mellowed those traits, for the better I think. I spent seven years as a stay at home mother, a risk and investment definitely worth it, and then I re-tooled myself and became a teacher. Not so different from social work for me, but very rewarding and more in sync with a family calendar. Later on we bought a small ranch and began travelling more widely again, and I have enjoyed ATV and wave runners – something I never had done prior to my fifties. Now we seem to be moving into a season of quiet, as both my parents and husband are in poor health . . .but that requires a fearlessness, too, to stand ready to nurse and comfort. So while I don’t let fear hold me back, there are still things I hope to do someday, when circumstances permit.
Twenty years ago, while in my 40’s, I really stuck my neck out and ran for office. I was elected and eventually became mayor of my city in Northern California. I held office while working part time and doing both was so challenging–I never had time to realize where I landed. I am now retired and although I don’t admit this face-to-face, I am writing again. Instead of newspaper and magazine articles as I’d done in the past, I am writing a historical novel…just for me. If not now than when? I think that’s the good question we should ask and if now is the answer…take the leap!
Life is full of risks anyway. I have always taken calculated risks. By that I mean I am not going to dive into the pool unless I make sure there is water in it. If a risk turns out to be a mistake then it is a lesson so nothing is lost.
Who knew that the biggest risk seems to be staying right where I am?
My oasis in the back yard was destroyed by a storm last week. While we wait for the insurance adjuster (it will be a long wait; hundreds of homes were hit, and thousands more in a storm before that), we no longer find it peaceful to sit outside, looking at our damaged home, while bits of it clink to the ground in the slightest breeze. It could have been worse. We still have intact windows. Our neighbors don’t.
And so, we look to the future, and fixing this mess. It makes you think. How attached am I to where I live now? How attached am I to present circumstances? Change is opportunity, and opportunity is inherently risky. What if? What next?
Interesting questions. I guess I’ve always been bit of a risk taker although I never thought of it that way: I’ve always done what I wanted to do, confident I could take care of myself. 26 years ago my now husband dropped me a note telling me his divorce was final & he wanted me to join him in BC. We’d known each other for years & the attraction was fierce but the timing was always wrong. I was in a go-nowhere relationship on the other side of the country & 3 weeks later I & my 2 cats were on a plane to Vancouver with everything I owned on a moving van to follow, a month after that we were married & we’ve never looked back. Then 14 years ago he quit a successful career to start his own engineering firm, we threw most of our savings into it, he sold it 10 years later for 10 times what we put into it & retired early. We’ve both turned fun hobbies into successful post-retirement jobs without actually planning to do so & have no idea where those are going.
But none of the things I’ve done alone or married felt like risks as much as just the right decision at the time, although there have been times when that “right decision” meant ignoring everyone’s warnings of impending catastrophe & jumping off a cliff trusting there’d be a soft landing 🙂
I think one’s capacity for “risk” depends on how confident you are in your ability to make things work out & I have NO idea where that comes from! I always urge people to stop listening to what others have to say (because they’ll always have a LOT to say!), stop overthinking it, listen to your own instincts & do what feels right.
The risk I would like to take at this stage of my life would be to live in Europe for at least a year. It would be so much fun to spend a few weeks at a time in an airbnb apartment and really learn a place. See a museum more than once, get to know some local people, and see what the weather is like. Then move to another place. I’d want to write about the experience and publish it.
Love this, Janet!