Taking risks is something we all do all the time. Most of the time we are pretty much unaware of the fact that we are even doing it. Sometimes we are aware of the risks involved but we don't think very much about it. Sometimes we feel concern about the risks involved but are not particularly stressed about them. Sometimes we are stressed about them but proceed anyway. Sometimes we are so stressed about them that we have difficulty proceeding. And sometimes we are just stopped in our tracks even though we are not even thinking about whether or not there is risk. The reality is probably that there is risk in everything that we do. So the question is when is this risk a problem for us, and what can we do about it when it is?

For those of us with PTSD risk is a problem when it is a trigger or when it is associated with a trigger. This is probably true for Normies as well, but they have fewer triggers, are less reactive and their filters work better. The purpose of this discussion is to point out that it is important to be aware that there are always risks and to think about what the risks are when we find ourselves stopped or having trouble proceeding. We need to develop a willingness to take risks recognizing that risk is a normal, natural and unavoidable part of decision-making.

Another problem for us is that we tend to see risks as bigger than they are due to having been put at greater risk than normal childhood usually brings. I guess that it would be fair to say that our ability to assess risk is a bit skewed, or more than a bit in some cases. However, I think that this is not so much an inability to accurately assess. I think that we can do that if we focus on doing that. I think the problems occur when we don't pay close attention and just let our automatic systems run. These automatic systems, as we have already discussed on numerous occasions, tend to sound the alarm much too frequently.

For purposes of this discussion I think we should start by looking at the blockages in our life. In what ways are we not getting what we say we want? These blockages can probably always be seen or thought of as places where we are afraid, or think that we are afraid, to take risks. So lets look at what it is that we want that we are not going after in a focused way and see if we can see what our perceived risks are. What are we afraid to face? We need to recognize that we are creating for ourselves a sense of unacceptable risk, a sense of danger, and then we are reacting to that which we have created.

Desired Outcome:
A greater awareness of the risks we are constantly taking and a greater willingness to take risks in order to achieve desired results..

Discussion Starters:·

• In what sorts of circumstances and situations do I find myself stopped from getting what I say I want?

• If I am not aware of the risks involved would it help me to proceed if I allowed myself to be conscious of the risks involved?

• If I am aware of the risks, am I letting them stop me even though they are not grave or dire? If so how can I get myself past these blockages?

• When have I been able to get past these blockages in the past? What tools have I used to help me do this?

• What new tools can I create for getting myself past my blockages?
  

John C Flanagan, LCSW
818 NW 17th Avenue, Suite 7
Portland, OR 97209-2327
503-228-7574
www.johncflanaganlcsw.com

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