The Freedom of Risk

My former coach, Rick gave me this one day, and I actually carry it around with me.

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 ideas and 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 people who risk nothing, do nothing, have nothing, are nothing.

They may avoid suffering and sorrow, but they cannot learn, cannot feel, cannot change, grow, love and live. Chained by their attitudes they are slaves; they have forfeited their freedom. Only a person who risks is free.

I had changed out binders this slipped out and fell to my feet and so I re-read it again today.

In life, we often find ourselves walking a fine line between conformity and authenticity. The fear of judgment and rejection can hold us back from expressing our true selves. We may stifle our laughter, hide our tears, or keep our dreams and ideas hidden away. But as we navigate these fears and challenges, we must remember that the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

True freedom lies in our willingness to take risks. When we embrace the possibility of appearing foolish, sentimental, or vulnerable, we open doors to authenticity and deeper connections with others. It's through risking involvement and sharing our dreams that we inspire, create, and make a difference. Love, with all its complexities, is a risk worth taking, for it has the power to transform our lives in profound ways. In the face of life's uncertainties, the courage to believe, try, and live fully is what sets us on the path to true freedom. So, dare to take those risks, for they are the stepping stones to a life well-lived.

#EmbraceTheRisk #Authenticity #LoveWithoutFear #GoHappyYourself