I could talk again about the wonderful party I imagined as a child the lords and ladies, pipers and drummers were having over the last few days of Christmas. But there is no need to talk about healthy movement just a day later. So instead of thinking of ballet dancers and exercise, I am thinking of what we often think of when we think of leaping. Taking a chance.

I thought about comfort zones with the Five Golden Rings. They can be a very nice place to be, but it is rare to flourish there. A few days ago I was thinking about not being afraid of making mistakes. Now, I am thinking about taking chances. And taking chances is scary. And that means risking failing. And that is scary.

But it’s worth it. Even if you fail horribly, it’s worth it to take the chance and try. As much as all the motivational posters and quips are full of pithy sayings, it is true. You ‘miss’ every shot you don’t take, you can’t win if you don’t try, faint hearts don’t win hot studs. You can spectate all you want, and even find other spectators to talk about the ‘right’ way to do it on Monday morning, but unless you are willing to make that leap and take that chance, all you will ever be is a spectator.

But trying is hard. It takes effort to give something that’s risky a chance, and it takes effort to pick yourself up and try again. But really, it’s all we can do. As Beckett said,

Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.

So, when I hear the Lords leaping, I won’t think of physical activity or men dancing, but I will examine my life and make sure I am trying, and that I am prepared to fail.
And that I am prepared to maybe, just maybe, *win*.

Back to introduction.
Forward to Eleven.