Just Behind the Door

Leo Buscaglia was an American author, motivational speaker, and professor at the University of Southern California for years. His lectures were televised by the PBS network. While teaching he was profoundly moved by a student’s suicide and he began talking about feelings of disconnectedness and the meaning of life. He also wrote extensively about love transcending death. Through his love of humanity he made a difference in thousands of lives. The following inspirational verse and message on risk taking was actually written by Janet Rand but something he often quoted and is worth the read.

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool,
To weep is to risk being called sentimental.
To reach out to another is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk showing your true self.
To place your ideas and dreams before the crowd is to risk being called naive.
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 risk in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, does nothing, is nothing and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow or love. Chained by his certitude, he is a slave; he has forfeited his freedom. Only the person who risks is truly free.”

Risk taking enhances our lives and gets the blood pumping in our veins. It connects us in ways that are beyond explanation. I’m signing up – what about you?

Have a great few days!