Risk
To laugh is to risk appearing the fool,
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out 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.–William Arthur Ward, (full quote)
I came across this while reading the Real Simple blog. My appreciation for this goes far beyond something as superficial as “uncluttering and organizing”. It perfectly re-articulates my work-life resolution/mantra of this year; That when I get overly stressed about not being able to accomplish perfection or chide myself for being too open, I remind myself that “worlds won’t end. people won’t die. and you can only do your best.”