Throwing Caution To The Wind

As we age, it seems our risk tolerance grows to fearful proportions. Find out how to allay that fear in this mini podcast.

Grasshopper Notes are the writings from America's Best Known Hypnotherapist John Morgan. His podcasts contain his most responded to essays and blog posts from the past two decades. 

Find the written versions of these podcasts on John's podcasting site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1628038

"The Grasshopper" is the part of you that whispers pearls of wisdom that  seem to pop into your mind from out of the blue. John's essays and blog posts are his interpretations of these "Nips of Nectar." Others have labeled his writings as timeless wisdom. 

Most of the John's writings revolve around self improvement and self help. They address topics like:

• Mindfulness
• Peace of mind
• Creativity
• How to stay in the present moment
• Spirituality
• Behavior improvement

And stories that transform you to a wider sense of awareness that presents more options. And isn't that what we all want, more options? 

John uploads these podcasts on a regular basis. So check back often to hear these podcasts heard around the world. Who wants to be the next person to change? 

Make sure to order a copy of John's new book: WISDOM OF THE GRASSHOPPER – 21 Days to Creativity. These mini-meditations take you inside where all your creative resources live. And you'll come out not only refreshed but recommitted to creating your future. 

It's only $16.95 and available at BLURB.COM at the link below. https://www.blurb.com/b/10239673-wisd...

Also, download John's FREE book INTER RUPTION: The Magic Key To Lasting Change. It's available at John's website  https://GrasshopperNotes.com

Transcript

Throwing Caution To The Wind

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “Don’t take any wooden nickels.” It was basically a warning: Be careful. Don’t get taken in.

When we’re young, though, caution usually isn’t running the show.

We jump, explore, and try things just because they look interesting.

Then somewhere along the way, the wind feels stronger, the stakes feel higher, and we start hunkering down.

What I’m really talking about here is fear.

Fear promises safety. It says, “Stay where you are and nothing bad will happen.” The problem is, it often keeps us from the very experiences that make us feel alive.

One of my teachers used to say, “The ripe fruit is out on the skinny branches.” In other words, the good stuff usually isn’t found in the safest place.

Now, I’m not suggesting reckless behavior. Age gives us one real advantage: we’ve met enough windbags and snake-oil salesmen to know that not every risk is worth taking. Experience teaches discernment.

But there’s a difference between discernment and hiding.

Golfers have a phrase for this: risk and reward. When a ball ends up in the woods, a player can attempt a difficult shot or take a penalty and move to a safer spot. Sometimes the risky shot works beautifully. Most of the time, it doesn’t.

Life works much the same way.

Before we act, we usually get a signal. Something inside says “This feels right” or “This doesn’t.” The trouble is, we often talk ourselves out of listening. We start debating, analyzing, and imagining disasters until fear becomes the loudest voice in the room.

And when fear gets that loud, we stay in the woods.

Here’s something I’ve noticed: if you spend a long time arguing with yourself about a decision, there was probably an initial signal before the argument started. Your inner barometer already leaned one way or the other.

The real skill is learning to notice that signal again.

Sometimes it tells you, “Go ahead. This will stretch you.” Other times it says, “Not this one. Walk away.”

Either way, you’re no longer being pushed around by fear. You’re making an adult decision with your eyes open.

That, to me, is the mature version of throwing caution to the wind – not ignoring wisdom, but refusing to let fear keep you from the branches where the ripe fruit grows.

All the best,

John