I recently encountered a definition of moderation by Dan Koe that struck me: moderation is moderating the time we live in either of the extremes.

What I love about this consideration is that it revolutionizes what I formerly believed: that being moderate means being neutral and never amping up to an extreme. Being without preference in the middle of a continuum where energy exists without impetus. The pendulum, for example, is most still when it finds the middle of the arc. When it comes to my approach to living on purpose and continuous self-actualization, I haven’t felt much benefit in being moderate.

But this new way of considering the concept excites me because it paints a different picture. Moderation in this light implies a person has risk tolerance abundant enough to go play in the extremes, yet awareness broad enough to know when it’s time to let the foot up off the pedal. In this way, a person is masterful in self-government and intuitive enough to behave free of pre-determined doctrines and dogmatic submission.

With or without a 30-day timeframe, this move to Oregon comes with natural risk, for which I carry a rich tolerance. I feel zero concern about not knowing anyone, being in an entirely new place, starting a new job, and living in a new home. Those items yield excitement, actually.

Where I become more risk averse is in the area of financial security, and one other very special area.

As life throws new stimuli my way (most recently, car and plumbing repairs that ended up costing the equivalent of a cross-country moving truck rental) my risk meter was alerted. The move can still be pulled off, but the nest egg I was comfortable with took a slight hit. This factor could impact the entire timeline, and I will now exercise flexibility as I navigate toward the goal. As things progress, I’ll have to monitor how things are feeling within. Old Jenn may have steamrolled herself, but New Jenn will not. Risk aversion will be honored, not dismissed.

Beyond the above-noted risk lies an even greater one. The greatest risk to me? Not moving.

Not moving isn’t an option. I am clear on that.

It’s important to get super clear on these things, and writing out all possible risks and ranking tolerance/aversion is critical. This provides a framework for making decisions as life throws stimuli our way. This structure of certainty enables decisiveness without emotional labor or overthinking. This is how you get stuff done. This is what I failed to do last summer. Lessons learned through reflection. Yummy.

John Coltrane once said,

“The real risk is in not changing. I have to feel like I’m after something. If I make money, fine. But I have to feel that striving.”

Same, John. Same.