"Who is the happier man? He who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed?" Every time I read this quote by Hunter S. Thompson, I think about the risks and choices I've made and what path it's set me on. Believe me, it hasn't always been rainbows and unicorns, but anything worthwhile doesn't come easy. Right? I will admit though, there is solace in staying in the consistent comfort zone of our daily routines and safe harbor. Wake up, work out, get the kids ready for school, go to work, do the chores...repeat...over and over again. We go back to the beginning. But, why is it that we feel we have to repeat this pattern or whatever yours is? In my experience, there is a NEED for it. It's about consistency. If you're training for something like a 5K, the "ritual" is necessary. And once we get into the pattern it becomes safe to stay on shore. But what happens when we achieve the goal? Do we stick to the same routine? Or, do we venture out and try something new? For me, the routine is cozy. It's a soft, down filled comforter of familiarity. But as the saying goes, "your biggest risk is the one you don't take." With that, I say it's not enough to merely exist and watch the world idly go by. We have to take chances...take risks...go on adventures and experience the storms that we sometimes create and grow from that...in a lot of ways that's where it's the best...the most exciting...it's where all the good stuff happens. So get out there, weather the storm and don't forget your rubbers.