“Liberty is always dangerous, but it is the safest thing we have.”

-Harry Emerson Fosdick

 

Actually for similar reasons,

“Courage may be dangerous. But it’s the safest thing we’ve got.”

-J. Dwight GoldWinde

 

Dating is dangerous

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It is dangerous to ask for a date. You might look foolish and your feelings may be hurt. But if you keep asking for dates, you will probably be safe from being dateless (and lonely and so on).

 

Job interviews are dangerous

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It is dangerous to go to a job interview. You might not get the job and you might feel embarrassed or disappointed. But if you keep going to job interviews, you will probably be safe from being jobless or be safe from staying in your current joyless job.

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Saying "no" is dangerous

 

It is dangerous to say “no” to your friend. They might feel hurt and withdraw from you. But if you say “no” to your friend when you need to, you will probably be safe from feeling resentment toward your friend.

 

Leaving a violent husband is dangerous

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It is dangerous to leave a violent husband. He might come after you and hurt you more. But if you leave him, you will probably be safe from his violence for the rest of your life.

 

Working for yourself is dangerous

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It is dangerous to start working for yourself. You might fail at it and won’t be able to pay the bills. And people might say, “Who are you to do that?” But if you start working for yourself, you will probably be safe

from feeling like you sold out on yourself.

 

Setting and maintaining good boundaries is dangerous

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It is dangerous to establish and maintain good boundaries with your spouse. He or she might not accept your boundaries and it could precipitate a big conflict or even a divorce. But if you establish and maintain good boundaries, you will probably be safe from a marriage of resentment and bickering.

 

Vulnerability is dangerous

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It is dangerous to be open and vulnerable about your feelings of fear, hurt, or love with a friend or lover.

Their response could stimulate even more fear and hurt. But if you are open and vulnerable with your friend or lover, you will probably be safe from having a passionless and careful relationship.

 

Asking for a raise is dangerous

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It is dangerous to ask for a raise. You might be disappointed if your boss says “no” and your boss might resent you for asking. But if you ask for a raise, you will be safe from the uncertainty you would have felt

if you had not asked for one. You might also be safe from earning less money.

 

Leaving an unhappy marriage is dangerous

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It is dangerous to leave an unhappy marriage. You might regret it later. Or you might feel lonely. Or you might have financial difficulties. Or it might be difficult for the kids. But if you leave an unhappy marriage,

you will probably be safe from living a life  of interminable resignation with and resentment of your spouse,

and you will probably be safe from causing damage to the kids by providing such poor examples of long-suffering parents.

 

Changing careers is dangerous

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It is dangerous to change careers. How can you know if the new one will be financially rewarding and satisfying? But if you do change careers, you will probably be safe from living a life of resignation in your current career.

 

"Courage may be dangerous. But it’s the safest thing we’ve got."

 

How do you create real danger in your life by playing it safe (not choosing courage)?

 

Explore at least one area in your life where you do this and choose the courage to create a safer life.

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