But Don't Jump Off a Cliff

It's an oddity that people are so closed in. Our lives and minds are our own, and despite how much we share, there's more and more that remains unseen. You may be the closest of two people, but it's impossible to know more than a small slice of the core that we all hold.

It just makes it harder to say the right thing. I've been blessed with some sight, and the ability to (sometimes) say what's right, but it's always a risk - which is the point I'm trying to make today.

There's a huge, inherent risk in speaking. The moment you open your mouth, you don't know how the other person will react. You may have a very good guess, but every word you speak is trusting the other to respond as predicted, and there's a certain contempt in the act. For example, speaking to me is a lesson in unpredictability (all of you should already know that).

Risk must be taken, because the greatest risk in life is to risk nothing. Isn't that true? We take risks because the rewards far outweigh the consequences. Although things may not always go the way you dreamed, the fact that you tried is always better than asking yourself, "What if?".

I guess what I'm trying to say is to take chances, despite the unpredictability. Say hello to strangers, smile at waiters, shake hands with classmates. Give someone a hug today (as long as it doesn't constitute harassment). Ask that guy/girl out. Don't stop believing.