I am super into calculated risk right now. Super into collaborative consumption economy and the walk of faith one does when entering that plane, leaving behind all we thought we knew about capitalism.

Here’s why: I’ve had more success in a stretch of three weeks simply focusing on genuine relationships, being available, and changing how I conceptualize the internet (e.g. connecting is paramount even if through virtual pathways), than I have had in this past year and a half freelancing. The beauty of remaining available is that life doesn’t become an inch deep and a mile wide like I was taught (phrases like “time is money,” self-help leadership drivel like the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People); rather it reflects the second half of this analog infographic:

When you let yourself remain available, trusting, and trustworthy, richness and depth grow into iceberg visuals instead of a shallow sandbox of life experience. That sandbox was what I feared so long. When time and effort are only poured into what is guaranteed to make money or drive career success, selfish ambition becomes a deep dry well we soon find ourselves at the stark bottom of.

If I hadn’t been open to risk and socially/psychologically available, I wouldn’t have done the following things in the last month:

• Florida hiking (it’s harder than just walking!) with some of the most caring and dynamic people I know. Our group included an adventure entrepreneur known for his spiritual knowledge and house parties, a brilliant atheist and nomad who’s somewhat of a big deal in the outdoors community, the pastor of a small mega-church, a celebrity hairstylist and makeup artist, and a talented singer-songwriter. Collectively we burned over 10,000 calories. We played word games to avoid passing out from heatstroke. We bonded.

• Learned to roast coffee and got initiated into our local direct-trade coffee family. Picture social entrepreneurs who can tell an East Timor from a Nicaragua simply by smell, one of whom is the host of an up and coming travel show themed around coffee farming. We did shots of coffee-infused Grand Marnier to start off our coffee roasting morning. (This tipsy morning lead to me “working” a United Way Chef’s Gala as a barista. This means trying all the finest food in the city, meeting the chefs, and slinging craft espresso drinks with a good friend as well as the TV show host I mentioned—who is a dead ringer for Captain Jack Harkness, just saying.)
• Connected with an old friend (we used to go to hardcore shows when I was 17) over his new marketing startup and picked up all his tools of the trade. I only worked with him for a short time as a freelancer, but I learned the ropes of social media strategy, creative direction, SEO, and content management. I even picked up financial strategies and tips on landing clients. I also learned a lot about what not to do.

• Got to slow-jam the coffee (Chemex) for and schmooze over nonprofit feel-good banter with filmmakers and indie film enthusiasts from all over the country at an exclusive film party. I wouldn’t have been able to afford this party, to be honest. Nevertheless I got to reconnect with some friends in the medical field, local musicians who won’t be referred to as “local” for long, and even found out that an old friend was running the event. Regardless of anyone’s status or level of importance, it was a wonderful party and I got to work the event with a good friend. And a local nonprofit paid me to do this.

This all happened in the past few weeks. I was just available and discerning, and believed that we’re in this together, and that I have something valuable to contribute. I trusted others to contribute as well, and everyone I know far exceeded my expectations.

“Life is not connected to your affluence.” -Ben

My friend Ben started a nonprofit coffee shop where patrons name the price for each cup.