Risk
Been thinking about risk-taking lately...
How big a risk is too big?
There are lots of people who have risky jobs - police and fire-fighters being the ones that come to mind right off. However, they're trained to minimize the inherent risks in their jobs. There is still risk, but they prepare for every eventuality.
I know a lot of people who swear that they are 100% honest. But isn't it a risk to be totally honest if you don't have the tact and diplomacy to deliver the truth in an easily-digestible format? If a woman asks you if the outfit they're thinking if buying looks good on them, but you think it's hideous - what do you say? Do you say "well - that outfit would look better as drapes" - or do you say something along the lines that the colour or style or pattern isn't suited to their looks/body shape? Still the truth, but it doesn't insult their personal taste.
I know people who take risks in their relationships. And people who refuse to take any emotional risks. Is it better to guard your heart against a possible bad ending - or is it better to go in open-hearted and to risk it? I believe that in relationships, risk is a necessity. To love fully, you have to love fully in return. You can't guard your heart - or you'll never get all the benefits of loving someone - and them loving you. There's a line a corny and very bad movie that goes something like: "The greatest gift in life is to be loved and to allow yourself to be loved in return."
I believe that you also have to speak up for your rights. Otherwise, you'll always be allowing others to decide what's right and what's wrong for you. The moral majority is an excellent example of a group of people imposing their beliefs on others. Who gives them the right to say what I can watch, where I can go, and how I choose to live my life? If I don't speak up - then I have, haven't I?
That's it - deep thoughts before I go out to visit friends this evening...
How big a risk is too big?
There are lots of people who have risky jobs - police and fire-fighters being the ones that come to mind right off. However, they're trained to minimize the inherent risks in their jobs. There is still risk, but they prepare for every eventuality.
I know a lot of people who swear that they are 100% honest. But isn't it a risk to be totally honest if you don't have the tact and diplomacy to deliver the truth in an easily-digestible format? If a woman asks you if the outfit they're thinking if buying looks good on them, but you think it's hideous - what do you say? Do you say "well - that outfit would look better as drapes" - or do you say something along the lines that the colour or style or pattern isn't suited to their looks/body shape? Still the truth, but it doesn't insult their personal taste.
I know people who take risks in their relationships. And people who refuse to take any emotional risks. Is it better to guard your heart against a possible bad ending - or is it better to go in open-hearted and to risk it? I believe that in relationships, risk is a necessity. To love fully, you have to love fully in return. You can't guard your heart - or you'll never get all the benefits of loving someone - and them loving you. There's a line a corny and very bad movie that goes something like: "The greatest gift in life is to be loved and to allow yourself to be loved in return."
I believe that you also have to speak up for your rights. Otherwise, you'll always be allowing others to decide what's right and what's wrong for you. The moral majority is an excellent example of a group of people imposing their beliefs on others. Who gives them the right to say what I can watch, where I can go, and how I choose to live my life? If I don't speak up - then I have, haven't I?
That's it - deep thoughts before I go out to visit friends this evening...