Live Long and Take Chances
By John Trent
Throughout life, our respective paths are filled with countless crossroads. As teens, we were willing to take more risks and face the consequences as they came. Whether fearless, stupid, or maybe a touch of both, we had the courage to take "the road less travelled".
As adults, we say we are more wise, but, in reality, we tend to be more conservative and afraid. We force ourselves to over-think each action and decision in order to ensure the absolute and best possible outcome. The beauty of youth is that you are not tied to a specific lifestyle, nice things, or perceived social expectations. We just didn't have much to lose; we were free. Lao Tzu said that we should, "Manifest plainness,embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness,have few desires." He further explains that we can once again enjoy the great mystery of life if we unshackle ourselves from the temporal nature of all things and, especially desires. Basically, we need to get outside the "adulthood" box.
Throughout the history of mankind, there has always been risk takers. Most of the technology we enjoy today is evidence of someone who was willing to take risks. Old man Emmerson said it best,"Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better. What if they are a little course, and you may get your coat soiled or torn? What if you do fail, and get fairly rolled in the dirt once or twice. Up again, you shall never be so afraid of a tumble."
So........ I suggest to each of you to take a risk today. Take a chance! Though we are no longer fearless teens nor is there a likelihood we will discover the secret of human teleportation, we can still experience the excitement and joy of life's grand mystery and "boldly go where no man has gone before". Sorry guys! I couldn't help the Star Trek reference, but take some chances and live.
Live long and prosper!
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