in Random Musings 249 Words

Risky Business

Risk is the scale upon which we balance life’s choices and evaluate our needs, wants, dreams, fantasies, and even our fears to determine which choices might lead to the greatest fulfillment in our lives. We ask ourselves what stands to be gained or lost? Can we live with each potential outcome? At the end of careful deliberation, the risk is either accepted, or not. Insert cheesy movie quote here. At it’s core, risk is a question of “Is the juice is worth the squeeze?”

Alas, life is rarely this tidy and sometimes risks are worth taking solely to experience them. Let me explain.

There is a certain amount of emotion – be it anticipation, fear, anxiety or excitement – inherent to the concept of risk. Suppose the decision to risk is not made based on careful evaluation of needs or wants against potential outcomes. Instead, could it be a need to experience an emotion or sensation that motivates us to risk? 

I need risk; it is the color in a world that often seems awash in grey. I crave the excitement and exhilaration that jumping head first into a situation brings. I feel at ease in the chaos of uncertainty and anticipation that comes with a new experience. My motivation for risk is born more out of having the experience than it is a calculated step toward a perceived goal.
“Is the juice worth the squeeze?” I suppose I seldom care; I am more of a beer girl anyway.

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