Project quote:

“Obviously, being the good girl, the girl who did everything that was expected of her got her nowhere in life. It was only the people who were willing to take chances who ever got anywhere in life.” (B. Noles, title TBA, 2018)

My thoughts:

This type of thinking can veer off in two different directions, can’t it? On the one hand, I agree. Doing what is expected of you all the time means you live solely to please other people, even when it goes against your own desires or best interests. You have no real control over your own life. Not a recipe for happiness if you’re not getting something out of it as well. I also believe that taking chances is vital for success. How many stories of missed opportunities have we heard about or lived? The “what ifs”? If we always wait for the perfect time to make a change in our life, or meet someone, or travel, etc., that time may never arrive, and we’ll have yet another regret.

On the other hand!

I also believe in preparation, and calculated risk. I’m not a gambler, when it comes to money. I have learned to plan and research any major change or business decision. Online purchases as well, no matter how small. When it comes to personal relationships, through trial and error learning experiences, I have settled on a balance between trust and spontaneity, and cautious skepticism. The advice to listen to what people’s actions tell you is very accurate. Promises are easy. Following through with action requires effort and intention. Lies are easy. Most are eventually discovered.

Moral of the story?

Take risks, follow an opportunity, listen to your heart
—yet at the same time— 
listen to reason, don’t be a fool, educate yourself.

What do you think about this dilemma?

Editing projects for week ending February 25, 2017:
Fiction book, Inspirational Essay, Academic Research Article, Therapist Certification Statement
Client countries:  US, China