Here’s why I ask. 
Saturday evening Lynn and I had Chinese with my Mom. Not a very unusual activity, but this one became profound. Why? Every Chinese meal comes with a Fortune Cookie. Mostly the fortunes are quite benign, worth a grin as you finish your pistachio ice cream. But, this time was different for me.
Now, before I share the fortune with you, consider there are several ways to view it. You can blow it off as a silly Chinese custom and a worthless comment; you could consider it the wisdom of the ancient Chinese speaking directly to you, or you could take it as a divine intervention, a sign from the Universe to take some action.
Here’s the Fortune:
“Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment.”
Where does that take you? Read it again. Does it resonate with you? Is there a message there to be acted upon? It did for me because I permitted it to.
If life is an experiment, then you are its scientist, its investigator, its researcher. Without trying on new and different modalities, postures and stances you can only live what has come before, more of the same. Being timid and reserved will restrain you, keep you playing small. People don’t seek to follow the fearful, the faint-hearted.
Doesn't it make sense to be bold in your experimentation? What is there to lose? So much to gain. Leave nothing undisturbed. Become controversial and renowned. But, above all, do this with love in your heart. Stir the pot, rock the boat, shake the trees, but do it responsibly with compassion, empathy and care. People will flock to you as one who provokes genuine thought. Seen as one unwilling to leave conditions unchallenged, you can experiment yourself into distinction and success.
I know which way I’m headed, how about you? How are you going to be mixing it up or not?
Love this post Rick! Thanks!
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Life is an Experiment…. I like that, Rick.
Excellent post…. you share great insight with us… being bold is where its at, I feel.
Too litle time available for procrastination… I love that Chris Farrell phrase: Ready, Fire, Aim!
Since he told me that I have just got on with it…
Pete
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Rick Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
Pete,
It’s amazing to me how quickly it goes. My “kids” are in their mid 30′s. Damn, how’d that happen? I still feel like a teenager, but with better sense.
I think having the breakthrough and hiring a coach has made all the difference.
Catch you later,
RICK
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I love it – and I love fortune cookies! I used to collect those little slips of paper in fact. Sometimes they do just seem like they were written for YOU. I agree Rick – life is meant to be lived and I'm a big believer in the value of doing at least one thing each day to push our of our comfort zone – even if it's a little scary!
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Rick Reply:
November 15th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
Hey Marty,
What great advice. Push out of your comfort zone at least once a day. I guess the box gets tighter and tighter if we don’t stretch it. LOL!
Thanks for your thoughts!
RICK
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You are so right Rick! In fact no joke this was my Facebook status today: I am so excited about life, I use the expression: "Out of the park" but lately I have changed that to "out of the universe" It is that good! Lynda Cromar - I believe you have to actually get really excited and then like you said experiment. All a failure is is feedback, it means it is time to Plan, Do, Review. It means there is a slight adjustment necessary! That is all that it means! And you might be only 3-feet from Gold! From one of my books not sure which one!
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Rick Reply:
November 16th, 2011 at 6:23 pm
Lynda,
That is what experimentation is, test, test, test, adjust, adjust, adjust. Sometimes it requires a really big adjustment but it doesn’t put you out of the game.
The 3 feet from gold is from Think and Grow Rich.
Thanks,
RICK
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"All life is an experiment" – I couldn't agree more. Therefore I can only add – be bald, be even crazy, but most of all – live you life without regrets!
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Rick Reply:
November 18th, 2011 at 5:38 pm
Anna,
Appreciate you stopping by. Love you sentiment – bold, crazy and without regrets.
I’d bet that’s how you live life!
RICK
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Thanks Rick, I do many times take my fortunes to be ment for me and usually view as such. For yours I look at it a swe need to explore and step out of our comfort zone. There is so much to see and do but we must let go of fears.
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Rick Reply:
November 18th, 2011 at 5:40 pm
Darryl,
You are so right about letting go of the fear. I did that this past week by attending a
Toasmasters meeting. Only been threatening to do that for 15 years. LOL.
Thanks for stopping by,
RICK
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Hey Rick,
It is true that life is a experiment, we each have our own to do. Trial and error is one of the best teacher that we all have in life. So if you never try then you will never know. This is a great post , thank you for sharing it, TTYL
Marcus T Cox recently posted..What is jealousy to you?
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Rick Reply:
November 20th, 2011 at 8:44 pm
Hey Marcus,
Some experimentation could be avoided if we follow those who have blazed the trail for us.
Appreciated you stopping by.
RICK
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Rick,
Great post. Powerful message in your fortune cookie. Here’s my latest fortune cookie fortune – which I saved: “Your future is as boundless as the lofty heaven.” Not a bad fortune. The one before that, which I also saved, said “The respect and help of influential people will soon be yours.”
By stepping out boldly and expressing my truth, I am living into my boundless future – and – influential people are ready, willing and eager to assist me along the way.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
Dr. Erica Goodstone recently posted..The Only Way Out is Through
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Rick Reply:
November 22nd, 2011 at 1:42 pm
Erica,
“Your future is as boundless as the lofty heaven.” No, not a bad fortune at all. As a matter of fact, pretty profound.
And, I’m here to be one of your influential persons! LOL
RICK
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Great find, Rick!
This makes me think of Napoleon Hill’s counsel to decide quickly and take action. I’m sure he was not advocating impulsive decisions, but was urging the over-cautious slow movers like me to make up our minds and just do it!
Willena Flewelling
Willena Flewelling recently posted..PERSISTENCE
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Rick Reply:
November 24th, 2011 at 1:14 am
Hi Willena!
If life is a huge experiment then moving forward with something is essential for the life of the project.
Glad you stopped by.
RICK
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Boldly and 1 step at a time can we all head towards our destiny. We can approach it with an open mind and a heart for exploring all that Life has to offer, or stay hidden back in the shadows of fear.
I like this post and it’s message. I think everyone should embrace it.
Best,
James
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Rick Reply:
November 24th, 2011 at 1:16 am
James,
We only go around once in this life time so limitations, blocks, fears and burdens are best left behind. As the commercial once said, “Go for the gusto!”
Happy Holidays, James,
RICK
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Life IS an experiment for each person. You have so many decisions to make in each experience can be different choices in order to enjoy it. One of the things I like to hear from people is their experience from a place I may have been. I might have missed a cool street play or maybe an awesome artisan or maybe a special event.
You have to have gusto when living life. If not, you never learn anything. Thank you for sharing this. In my family, we are a little juvenile when it comes to reading fortune cookies. We add "in bed" at the end and giggle if the fortune really fits.
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Rick Reply:
November 25th, 2011 at 7:57 pm
Nile,
I like the “in bed” part. Life is an experiment there too! Appreciate your stopping by and contributing. Glad you’re a part of TSA. I’ll be over to your site shortly.
Happy Holidays,
RICK
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Great way to pose the question Rick!
I am definitely mixing it up and loving every minute of it. (OK, almost every minute)
Life has become a lot richer and much more fun.
The only place I don’t really mix it up is with my family. One day I will have to take that plunge too.
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Rick Reply:
December 15th, 2011 at 7:10 pm
Carla,
I understand about family. I stir the pot with them all the time. Ticks them off a bit, but they are stuck with me.
RICK
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Hey there Rick I enjoyed your great blog post on Fate in a Fortune Cookie. Why can’t more people be this accurate when writing on the web? Great information!
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Rick Reply:
May 10th, 2012 at 12:31 am
Denice,
Are you finding that most people are not transparent and authentic? I appreciate the vote of confidence.
RICK
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