TO RISK

In this age where social media promotes extreme narcissism, a quest for fame and a means to create a false hyperbole version of ourselves, I wonder are we losing our identity?  Being authentic  involves taking a risk.  We are exposing ourselves to the judgement and assessment of others.  There is no mask to hide behind.  But, in taking this "risk" comes growth, satisfaction, liberation and real happiness.  And living.... In the words of May Sarton "We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be."

TO RISK
To laugh is to risk appearing a fool,

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To reach out to another is to risk involvement,

To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.

To place your ideas and 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 hope 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 he cannot learn,
                              feel, change,
                                      grow or live.

Chained by his servitude he is a slave who has forfeited all freedom.

Only a person who risks is free.

The pessimist complains about the wind;

The optimist expects it to change;

And the realist adjusts the sails.

~by William Arthur Ward