risk

risk [risk]:

verb (used with object) a. to expose to the chance of injury or loss; hazard: to risk one's life.
b. to venture upon; take or run the chance of: to risk a fall in climbing; to risk a war.

Oft times, to get what we want, we have to take risks. Oft times these risks offer no guarantee that we will get what we want, or succeed, or even land on our feet. But, even in not putting ourselves out there, we risk missing an opportunity to enhance our lives.

You miss every shot you don't take.

I like to turn to the old sage, Garth Brooks. He has lots to say on this subject (ie: refer to such songs The Dance, Unanswered Prayers, etc). He talks about those who "stand outside the fire" and face the world alone, unwilling to take a chance, unwilling to risk the fall. Further he says, "Life is not tried it is merely survived, if you're standing outside the fire."

My advice? Weigh the consequences, is what you want worth the risk? If there's even the possibility that it is, take that risk. I promise, the rewards can outweigh the butterflies that flap their nervous wings in the pit of your stomach.

One final note, as Garth says, "How ya ever gonna know?"