If I reflected on how my life would have played out if I had done things differently, in other words not taken risks, I believe I would be feeling a tremendous emptiness inside.

Many people will not travel out of their safe havens, be that their hometown, their home state, or the particular section of the country they call home.  Others will not fly.  They may wish to see places far away but the risk they feel is too great.  Tell them they are safer flying than riding in a car and they will tell you they know that but to them the risk is too great.

(The graphic is a little tip of the hat to the Irish!)

Living on Lake Anna, I risk my life when I walk into the water.  About all I can do is the dog paddle and, lucky me, I'm a great floater as I've become more and more buoyant.  DISCLAIMER:  This is not me.  If I looked this good I would have used a real photo!

We risk our lives when we get in our cars.  Driving down the street is a risk.  Every time you stop for gas at night or walk into a convenience store something could happen.  Unfortunately, it's life.  But life is also about living.  We take precautions, yes.  Do we dwell on the what ifs?  Some of us will, some of us will not.

I turned my ankle walking down the stairs today and caught myself simply because I happened to have one hand on the railing.  My first thought was what if I had been carrying something with both hands rather than just one. 

The idea of marrying or raising children has some people quaking in fear.  For those that have done it and loved it we cannot imagine doing otherwise.  Such is life.

The thought of living in another culture would overwhelm some where others greet it with great anticipation especially if it is a culture that is very different from one's own.  Some may go, take a peek, but could never imagine learning new ways, accepting different customs, embracing new ideas.

Some people will not become REALTORS® or start any type of business where they will not have "security" in spite of the fact that many of us have seen that security with a corporation even after many decades can disappear overnight either because the company moves away, shuts down, or decides they need newer, younger talent.

The most wonderful things have happened when people have taken risks, risks that could cost them their lives.  Astronauts, test pilots, explorers, women giving birth, the military, and the list goes on and on.  It is endless. 

No, I am not encouraging people to do foolish things and I do feel horrible when I hear about the terrible things that happen to fellow REALTORS in the line of work.  But we hear about horrible things that happen to people in every walk of life and in every aspect of our lives.  It is up to us to decide if we will allow our lives to shrink and become small and narrow or do we want to continue to experience all the wonderful things that are out there.

Do not let fear destroy you.  Be careful, use caution but live with confidence.

We have been given this wonderful gift called life.  Enjoy.

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If you or someone you know is thinking of buying or selling property at or near Lake Anna, please contact Kathleen "Kate " Elim.  Kate lives at Lake Anna, knows Lake Anna, loves Lake Anna, and specializes in Lake Anna area real estate. 

Call Kate at 540-226-1964 or by e-mail at lakeanna.kate@gmail.com. Be sure to check Kate's Web sites  and blog at http://lakeannaandbeyond.com/ or http://lakeannacountry.com/