Episode Fifty Two: Taking Risks

Howdy Curve Zone readers near and far.  Today I wanted to share an anecdote about the Odyssey in which I started taking risks.  For the first twenty-ish years of my life I had tried to do everything perfect.  I got amazing grades in school, I never got into any sort of trouble, and I pursued the career goals that I felt others expected of me.  I was working on a Masters in Counseling, working a crappy job in a mandatory union, etc.  One night I met up with my friend Jared to hit up Denny's- I had late classes and shifts at work, so being out at 2 am was my norm.  We got pulled over by a police officer who proceeded to harass us.  I should note there are plenty of amazing police officers out there who are good people who work hard without thanks.  However, there I was, a model citizen getting harassed like a common criminal by this figure of authority.

Then I thought "Screw it."

It was weird, but something just sort of snapped that night.  I decided then that living my life the way that made other people happy was getting me no-where.  It took a few months to get the courage, but I left the masters program I was in- ignoring great grades and the money wasted.  The next thing I knew I was moving to a strange town where I didn't have a support network, a job, or a clue to enroll in a new graduate program.  I met the love of my life, some amazing friends, and got my Masters.

By far it was the worst financial decision I ever made- there are plenty of people who would argue that it was a bad decision on that basis alone.  Sometimes we have to leap though, sometimes we need to take a chance.  There are bumps and bruises along the way- but making a mistake doesn't have to be the end of the world.  We, as in humanity, are consumed by the concept of making the "right" decisions.

I've always loved the song "Get Here" by Oleta Adams (Youtube it if you don't know it).  Lyrically it's very simple, I mean she's just listing modes of transport for three minutes, but the way she sings it with so much conviction and passion makes the song.  The message of the song is relevant.  It's not how we get there- it's that we get there.  Sometimes I wish I had more money- but then I remember all the blessings I have that other people do not.