I know, I know, the big news of the day is the New Pope! For the 1.2 billion Catholics around the world, this is Huge, really. And he’s Latino! Heard all about the white smoke and his unique entry, when Jorge Mario Bergoglio asked for prayer rather than expressing the traditional blessing in his opening greeting. Wonder if he knew when he was a little boy that some day he’d be making his debut as the Pope? Did he ever attend a Career Day at his school, walk by the Faith Pathways booth and linger, feeling drawn to the calling, long before he knew this was the path he’d take? And quite honestly, I need to do a bit more research, because I still can’t figure out why he’s going to be called Pope Francis. I’m sure it has something to do with tradition and history and inspiration. Forgive me for my ignorance.
According to the CNN report, “Francis has a reputation for being a voice for the poor.” And the new Pope refused to elevate himself on a platform above other leaders on stage. I’m not Catholic, but I like the guy already. He has definitely made a splash in his first moments.
Bringing me to a perfect place of transition. Sort of! 
I’m in the process of having a few months of firsts as an author, and I can honestly say that I never imagined it quite like this. Had my first Book Reading last Thursday, and I didn’t faint! Actually gave the audience permission to push me over and take the mic and finish the reading in case I did. Faint, that is.
And this Friday, I’ve been asked to be the “Author” at our local high school Career Day. Funny thing is, when the administrator emailed me and asked me to list my “Career History,” I laughed. Out loud. Can I make it futuro-active [as opposed to retroactive,] starting this June. Because that’s when my first book actually comes out. So, technically, history is… in the making. Yeah, that could work!
Anyway, in prep for the big day, I decided to think like a high school student and create a huge poster type display to distract from the fact that I’m not carrying any “books that I wrote” with me. I admit, it was kind of fun to make. And when I taped the last thing on it, I stepped back and I was convinced. This girl, Rajdeep, she seems legit! Ha!
So, we’ll give it a whirl. Career Day, that is. And I’ll share my journey with high school juniors, and try my best to encourage them. If they’re dreaming the writer’s dream, by all means, WRITE! And go for it!
And, a few hundred high school students don’t compare to 1.2 billion that the Pope spoke to today, but I’d like to think each of us has our part to play. And like the Pope who broke with some traditions today, inspiring citizens with his humility and actions, I hope I listen more than speak on Friday. To the teens and their stories. To their hopes, fears, and dreams. And answer their questions honestly. And when they ask me if I’m scared. I’ll tell the truth. Of course I am. Any time we take a risk and follow our hearts, fear creeps up.
One thing that has helped me in these moments of doubt is a poem my mom clipped for me from the newspaper. I saved it for years. You might have heard of it:
To laugh is to risk appearing a fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To place your ideas, your dreams before the crowd is to risk their loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair.
To try is to risk failure.
But the risk must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, and is nothing. He/She may avoid suffering and sorrow, but she/he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live. Chained by his/her certitudes, she/he is a slave, he/she has forfeited her/his freedom.
Only a person who risks. is free. ~Author Unknown
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Take a risk. Live. YOLO!
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And you, what are your thoughts on the new Pope? Taking any risks this week? Month? Are you having a “first” moment that you’d like to share?