Not Just Another

Around the Table

One of my family’s Thanksgiving traditions is going around the table. We each take a turn to share what we’re thankful for. This is my 2021 digital edition.

In 2021, I’m thankful for those who inspire me to risk and love. Risk and love are the perfect pair. Risk is pointless without a meaningful result (some level of love for the goal), and love doesn’t exist without risk.

In our world, where taking is more natural than giving, and control is more coveted than freedom, each decision to love is a risk. Love may be taken for granted, used, or rejected. Reciprocated love isn’t guaranteed.

Love is a gift. Otherwise, love wouldn’t be love at all; it would be a transaction. Transactions are based on a mutual exchange. Love is bolder and much sturdier. Love stands on its own as a unilateral offer. Now, back to those who hearten me to risk and love.

There are those who fashion big decisions with risk and love as the pattern, and who design a uniquely tailored, vibrant, and sparkling life.

Starting with career decisions, after realizing I wanted to be a writer, I kept my eye out for those who chose a more creative career they loved, perhaps, with riskier income. Earning a living as a writer may not seem like a risk, but for me, it is. Since law school, I’ve been in the corporate world. I needed to appreciate close-to-home examples of average Janes, such as myself.

I met an incredible friend who wrote a book, which was published in another language. I discovered a colleague’s in-law is a best selling author. I learned a teammate self-published a book series. I even stumbled across an article from my employer; it featured employee-authors in a slew of genres.

Then, when volunteering at church, I met a new friend who initially chose the same career I did (practicing law) but started to follow her dream. She now has over 100,000 followers and earns more money as an influencer than an attorney. She rallied me to write. Her (to me) fat cat success trapped my mousy excuses. I may not be successful, but success isn’t the win: it’s taking the risk to do what you love.

Another excuse diffuser is my dad: he scatters excuses with intense reflection. When I share my thinking, he asks tough questions and fervently fortifies his trust I will make the wise, loving choice. I don’t recall any situation where he didn’t have confidence in my abilities or decisions, even when I wavered. His faith in me is a risk and love, indeed.

Moving to romantic decisions, you know those couples who genuinely enjoy one another, despite conflict, and make fun of each other in an endearing way—the real deal? I’m cynical, but don’t they seem rare? I know more couples who frustrate one another and elicit the worst in each other than the sweet type.

When I do spend time with real deal couples, it’s a welcome and striking reminder. Their daily choice to risk and love each other realizes what seems to be a fantasy — true love exists. Taking a chance searching and holding out for the right person is worth it.

Around the table this year, I’m looking at all of you out there who risk and love better than I. Thank you.

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