Take the Risk or WINE About it Later
I know I'm just a few seconds from getting a text from my mom saying, "I think you spelled 'whine' wrong." Nope, it's correct, even though I am as notorious for spelling errors as I am my accent these days.
In my Papa's Eulogy one of his "Lessons to live by" was to risk, and risk big. I thought this lesson would have a more practical use, but sometimes its as simple as going for it in a silly fundraiser game.
Last Friday evening, I attended and volunteered at Lewis Community Spouses Club annual Night To Remember Fundraiser, where proceeds go to community grants and scholarships for JBLM Families.
I spent the majority of the night photographing the event, but decided to participate in the final game of the evening, Heads or Tails. It was as simple as flipping a coin and picking on or the other. Maybe it was the luck the Irish on St. Patty's day, but I found myself in the top three of everyone in attendance.
The other two finalist, along with my self picked tails. Seeing as the two turns before had been heads. Standing in the middle of the ladies, I made I contact with a white haired man, who had the same twinkle in his eye my Papa once had. He nodded, and I heard the whisper "Take the Risk."
I switched.
Coin flipped.
Heads, again. I won.
I was equally shocked, as was the others in attendance. I looked to my friend Miranda, who was now wielding the camera, she asked "What did you win?!"
I had no idea. I shook my head. I honestly was thinking it was a gift card. I had only paid ten bucks to play the game to begin with.
The announcer said, "You have won the Wine Wagon." That's right folks, I won a wagon with 40 bottles of wine worth over $500. The $10 risk was worth it.
There are many ironic reasons why me winning is a hoot in of itself, and I'm no less thankful to be the winner. However, I'm even more thankful that I took the risk, I went with my gut, and the twinkle in the gentleman's eye was just enough assurance to go for it.
All weekend (minus the 8 hours of food poisoning), I have thought about the idea of risk. Taking a risk paid off this time and it was an obvious win/lose situation, but it made me wonder how many times I haven't taken the risk.
Obviously, I'm no longer talking about my risky behavior when it comes to games or wine, but to more serious topics. I like to think I'm one who likes to risk, but I think too often we are scared to take the risk, not because we are scared of failing, but sometimes because it's the exact opposite of what everyone else is doing.
Maybe the risk is saying "No" in a situation where everyone else is saying "yes", and you lose a few friends. Maybe the risk is a business venture your heart is in, my your mind just can wrap its head around it. Or maybe the risk is on a person, you just aren't totally sold on at first impressions.
Sometimes taking the risk is hard, sometimes taking the risk feels like free falling, and sometimes taking the risk does result in failure. However, sometimes taking the risk is the best idea you have ever had. Sometimes taking a risk changes the direction of you life in the best way possible. Sometimes, taking the risk means discovering your life's true purpose.
So take the risk.
“Risk big, win big. You can’t win big if you aren’t willing to make a few leaps of faith. ”
You might stand alone, you might fail, you might regret it, or you might end up with $500 worth of wine and a cute little wagon. Choice is yours, but I know what I would do.
oxox,
Kendall Mariah
p.s. "What to do" with the bottles of wine is still up in the air, I would love to hear your suggestions!