Let me begin by saying balance (Scott Peck’s 4th Tool of Discipline from ‘The Road Less Traveled’) applies here. I’ve chosen safety many a time in my life; sometimes it was a bargain, other times its cost far exceeded the value received. That said, I believe I’ve been willing to risk more than most, setting out for unseen far shores with faith as my compass, fire in my belly, and determination as my map.
Should we set our souls on fire? Risk it all in a raging bonfire or chose more measured flames contained within a hearth? Personal choice, it all works, just never, ever let your fire die out! We are all here for a purpose and we can all be everyday heroes by seeking out and role modeling the best of ourselves to our loved ones, to our co-workers, to our community. There is honor in every calling:
“If a man is called to be a street sweeper,
he should sweep streets even as Michaelangelo painted, or
Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry.”
– Martin Luther King, Jr., 1929-1968
My point is a simple: always, always remain aware of the price you pay for ‘safety’; taking the easy road can have you passing by some of life’s greatest treasure: the person you might’ve become.
Closing Quotes:
“At dawn, ask yourself: Why am I here? To do what I was made for.” – Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD
“Paradoxically, life goes more smoothly when you take on difficulties rather than try to avoid them.” – David Brooks
“Effort is one of the things that give meaning to life, effort means you care about something.” – Carol Dweck, ‘Mindset’
As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier
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