The Dilemma

To laugh
is to risk appearing a fool.

To weep
is to risk appearing sentimental.

To reach out for another
is to risk involvement.

To expose feelings
is to risk rejection.

To place your dreams before the crowd
is to risk ridicule.

To love
is to risk not being loved in return.

To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds
is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken
because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The person who risks nothing does nothing,
has nothing, is nothing.

He may avoid suffering and sorrow,
but he cannot learn, feel, change, grow or love.

Chained by his certitudes,
he is a slave.

He has forfeited his freedom.
Only a person who takes risks is free.

Author Unknown (by me!)