risky business

RISK (noun): exposure to the chance of injury or loss; a hazard or dangerous chance

in the midst of homework, nannying, and generally living, i have been thinking a whole heck of a lot about risk lately. i think it was spurred by something i read about taking risks in the classroom. as a teacher, i will best reach my students if i model responsible risk-taking and create an environment that lets students feel as though they, too, can take risks.

a great idea. but just READ that definition. why would i want to do that? chance injury? loss? hazards, for pete's sakes!

i then started thinking about how just anti-risk taking i am. i've always been this way, and, to be honest, it's no big revelation to realize that i absolutely hate risking anything. in the midst of these thoughts about my riskphobia, my friend sent me this quote: "I always imagine the worst possible thing that can happen, she told me. It gives me a great excuse to stay home & have tea."-Brian Andreas (Storypeople Creator)

while knowing i, to a fault, live in a safe, little bubble, i've really started thinking about all that i have missed out on because i don't want to mess up, fail, or generally feel uncomfortable. i could go on and on about how debilitating a fear-of-failure/loss/injury is. but i won't. i guess the important thing is that i start, one safe baby-step at a time, trying to take chances. i have to believe that, even if i lose, i'll in some way win.