There are moments in life that are utterly terrifying; there are things that feel like they cost far more than their worth. There are things that we know are probably best for us - like eating more salads - but there are also those things that seem to be not-so-worth-it. Things that are not just difficult, but risky.

I grew up in a place where everyone I knew had jumped off at least one cliff. Generally, it was the same ocean cliffs everyone else had jumped off, and generally no one got seriously injured (I did belly flop once, but that's another story). However, when it came right down to it, your friends would eventually find a proverbial cliff (with un-proverbial water below) and tell you to jump. And, proverbially, I did.

I'm realizing life is like that. There are moments of risk and danger and difficulty that seem to be far more trouble than they are worth, but I'm also learning that these are the moments that make life worth living. I still remember the first time I jumped off a cliff; it was only slightly scarier than the first time I asked a guy out on a date. My never-ending cliff is my health; I consistently have to decide whether I will risk a change that might make me feel a lot better, knowing it may make things very difficult for a few hours, days, or weeks.

There might be a cliff right at your feet, or maybe you are getting hungry for an adventure. Maybe it's a new job, or an art class with people twenty years your junior, or a cute new girl in the office, or a relationship that needs mending. Find a cliff. Breathe in, breathe out, and leap.