Why I Keep Doing “Stupid” Things

I do “stupid” things.

I know it. And if you’ve been reading this blog for any period of time, you know it.

I do reckless things. I step off ledges where all common sense would say that I shouldn’t .

bungee

I climb things. I climb into things. I hang from things. I sign up for things.

And I rarely back out.

Not because I’m fearless or brave (hello?!?! Have we met?!?!) but because the opportunity arose… and it’s either too late or  I already told millions of people on national television that I was doing it. :)

And so, yes, I do do “stupid” things.

And I encourage the kids to do them too.

Monkido Whistler

Every so often while looking for a photo for a post or story, I am reminded of all the stupid things I’ve done. And that’s when I realize that  there is not one of them that I regret.

And while I’m no math genius (see stupid thing #4,587 in Canadian Living) I do believe in this equation:  Risk = Reward.

Every single time.

Sometimes it’s the feeling right after I’ve mountain biked a ridiculously steep path in Whistler, British Columbia. Limbs still shaking  but intact.

mountain biking whistler

Or the seemingly small – but personally terrifying act –  of getting back on (more than five years after falling off) a Segway.

But the reward always comes. It’s not something you can put in the bank or on a trophy shelf. It’s that feeling, that eureka moment, when you realize THAT’s why I did that. THAT’s the lesson I was supposed to learn.

It always comes and when it does, it’s the best feeling.

And so the truth I want to share with you is this: Risk it. Risk the embarrassment and the failure. Sign up for the class or the event. Try it because someone asked you to and there was the tiniest part of you that wanted to. Get up and dance even when you’re unsure of the steps.

Say yes to the opportunities big and small. Eat the worm

In the words of my sneaker box: Just do it.

The rewards will come.

I promise you that.