Embrace the challenge.

Instead of hiding behind a fortress of safety—step into the unknown. You see, I’m not a fan of gambling without a cause—especially when the stakes involve not only me but my loved ones. Yet, when “better safe than sorry” becomes a mantra chanted in every corner of life, it’s a sign, a wake-up call that you’re suffocating your spirit. The iron grip you’re placing on the familiar, the known, is strangling the life out of possibilities.

Imagine life as a forked road, a map of countless paths. The easy route—the one most traveled—is like an inviting beacon, offering comfort, predictability. But what about the other path? The one that’s less trodden, shrouded in the mystery of the unknown. It may be longer, winding through dense forests, up rocky mountains. It might not always be comfortable, but the lessons you learn, the strength you build, that’s what molds character. That’s the taste of adventure, the flavor of life beyond the usual.

Wisdom is the compass that guides you through these winding roads. Like a seasoned sailor reading the stars, wisdom leads you through the darkest nights and the stormiest seas. It’s not about reckless abandonment but about calculated courage, a blend of knowledge and bravery. It’s the kind of courage that doesn’t shun risks but embraces them, arms wide open, heart beating with the thrill of the possible.

So, yes—as a husband, as a father—the road less traveled may seem like a dangerous prospect. But remember—it’s the long way, the hard way, that has the power to sculpt you into a beacon of strength and resilience for those who depend on you.

This road less traveled is not just about seeking adventure for yourself. It’s about teaching your children the value of courage, of risks, of stepping out of the comfort zone. It’s about showing them that life isn’t about playing it safe all the time, but about tasting the thrill of the unknown.

Venture forth. Embark on the journey. Seek wisdom. Be courageous. Embrace risks. Let the world see you not as a mere bystander of life, but as a brave adventurer embracing the full spectrum of existence.

Stephen Boudreau serves as VP of Brand and Community at Virtuous Software. For over two decades, he has helped nonprofits leverage the digital space to grow their impact. To that end, Stephen co-founded RaiseDonors, a platform that provides nonprofits with technology and experiences that remove barriers to successful online fundraising. He is an avid (but aging) soccer player, audiobook enthusiast, and the heavily-disputed UNO champion of his household.

Copyright ©2023 Stephen Boudreau.