# Risks in Plain Sight

## Naming the Shadows

Life hands us uncertainties every day—a new job, a deep conversation, a quiet dream we dust off after years. We often pretend they aren't there, letting fear grow in the dark. But imagine listing them simply, like notes in a plain file: the chance of failure, the ache of rejection, the pull of the unknown. Naming risks doesn't make them vanish; it brings them into the light. They become familiar, less like monsters and more like old acquaintances. In this clarity, we find room to breathe.

## Weighing What Matters

Once seen, risks invite a gentle weighing:
- What might we lose?
- What could we gain?
- Is the step worth the stumble?

This isn't about endless calculation, but honest pause. A farmer plants seeds knowing drought or storm could come, yet sows anyway because harvest calls. We do the same—choosing paths not because they're safe, but because they lead somewhere true. On this January day in 2026, with the world shifting faster than ever, this practice feels like an anchor.

## Steps into the Open

Embracing risks isn't reckless leaping; it's walking forward with eyes open. Each acknowledged hazard builds quiet strength, turning hesitation into momentum. We edit our lists as we go, crossing off what passes, adding what arises. In time, the file of risks becomes a map of courage.

*To live fully is to list risks plainly, then proceed with a steady heart.*