The Dilemma

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
To expose your 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 risk 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 dares to risk is free.

- Author Unknown