If You Don't Risk

I've dared to risk many times and most often the risks have paid off. I've been lucky to have very supportive family and friends, but there have been times that I've done things they didn't approve of at first. For example, when I changed careers. But I dared to risk despite their objections. At times, I've risked and made a complete fool of myself and hurt a lot of people. But I know that I've followed my heart for the most part and I hope that I continue to do so.

I believe if you don't risk, you never learn and you might miss out on some of the best life has to offer. It was Erica Jong who said: 'If you don't risk anything, you risk more'. How true that is - dare to risk - there isn't any other choice!

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To reach for another is to risk involvement.

To expose your feelings is to risk exposing your true self.

To place your ideas, your dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss.

To love is to risk not being loved in return.

To live is to risk dying.

To believe is to risk despair.

To try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken,

because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The person who risks nothing does nothing, has nothing, is nothing.

They may avoid suffering and sorrow,

but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live.

Chained by their attitudes they are slaves; they have forfeited their freedom.

Only a person who risks is free.

~ Unknown

Picture courtesy Beliefnet