Ignoring the Naysayers

When’s the last time you took a risk?  The last time you ignored the naysayers and tried something even though you weren’t sure how it would turn out? When’s the last time you did something for YOU?  (Without worrying about what others think…) If you follow me on Facebook, you know that last week I stepped a bit out of my comfort zone and tried something new – motorcycle class.

Unfortunately, sometimes when we want to try something new, there are those around us who aren’t very supportive.  There are those who will try anything to get us to change our minds, who try to plant that seed of doubt.

As soon as I mentioned taking motorcycle class, I had one relative who pretty much told me I’d die if I chose to ride a motorcycle.  She went right into a story about some person she knew who had a motorcycle accident, and kept talking even when I let her know I wasn’t interested in hearing her story right then with both my kids sitting there wide-eyed and listening.  I let her know that you can die driving a car or just crossing the road, too, but I don’t plan on giving up those activities.  Everything we do has some risk to it; you can’t let that keep you from trying new things.

I’ve got another who keeps suggesting I get a 4-wheeler instead.  (Should I tell him I have known a couple people who have died on those?)  All the while he thinks it would be fun for me to drive the kids on it.  Hello!  Every single 4-wheeler I’ve seen says not to ride with passengers, much less 2 wiggly passengers.  Yeah, I’ll do something supposedly safer for me and endanger my kids instead…. No, I don’t think so.  (Silly me, I’m also the one who makes sure my kids are properly strapped into their car seats.)

Why is it that some people feel the need to control other people’s lives?  Why is it that some people have to be so ready to spew negative thoughts?

Think about it; even when it comes to something wonderful like having a child…  We all know that person who has to talk about their 20 hour labor, being on bed rest, or the risks of losing a child as soon as they find out someone is pregnant.

Why is that?

You get one life; you can’t live it for everybody else.  If there is something you want to try, something you want to do, you have to take the opportunity if you get a chance. When I’m 80 years old (wishful thinking, perhaps), I want to be able to look back on my life and feel content.  I don’t want to spend those last years wondering what could have been or wishing I’d done XYZ.  Not only that, but I have to remember I’m teaching by example here.  I don’t want my kids believing they shouldn’t try something just because someone else has to give their two cents of why they shouldn’t do it.

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Want to hear how motorcycle class went?    Stay tuned!