Risk

Risks. I used to take some back in the day. Jumping my bike off of high ramps. Taking turns at riding on the roof of a friend's car in parking lots. Alcohol induced smoking a bit in college. Not the kind of risks that make headlines, I know.

There are other kinds of risks--risks involving sharing your true self with others. Taking a chance at love. Letting your true feelings come out. Showing your weaknesses instead of stuffing them deep inside. Crying as a true reaction rather than laughing things off. Dealing with a situation rather than pretending it doesn't exist. These all require risk.

To Risk

William Arthur Ward

To laugh is to risk appearing a fool.

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To reach out for one is to risk involvement.

To expose feelings is to risk rejection.

To place your dreams before the crowd is to risk ridicule.

To love is to risk not being loved in return.

To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds 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.

He may avoid suffering and sorrow,

But he cannot learn, feel, change, grow or love.

Only a person who risks is free.