Don't Be Afraid

If someone were to ask you to do something that you have either never done, or told yourself you would never do, what is your first reaction? Most people would probably say "no way" or something very similar to that. I know a man who lives by the words "Don't Be Afraid". He believes that when it's your time to die, that's when you will, whether you are driving a car, walking across a street, skydiving, riding a motorcycle,cliff jumping, or swimming in a pool. He believes fear is what causes people to tread gently and safely through life, and that that fear prevents people from living life to the fullest.

If you were to talk with this man, you would, very quickly, know what his philosophy is. He loves life. He sees an opportunity for adventure when others see a dangerous situation. He takes calculated risks and chooses to live his one life as vividly as possible. Although a few people might think he is just plain crazy, most would say "I wish I had your nerve and your outlook on life". If you were to ask him why he takes the chances he takes, he would, very matter-of-factly answer "If you're not living life on the edge....you are not really living life".

He isn't easy to get in touch with, because he is usually off on some adventure. In his early 60's, he enjoys visiting exotic destinations to go scuba diving, jumping out of airplanes, cliff diving, riding his motorcycle cross country and re-planting the rain forest.

When he looks back on his life, thus far, he has no regrets, only an amazing portfolio of life changing memories. He believes that regret comes from not taking chances. Living comfortably may be fine for some people, but not this man. Taking chances and doing things he has never done before, keeps him from becoming comfortable, and he is just fine with that.

So, if your life needs a little pick-me-up, and you are tired of the same old things, and you want to truly live life, take a chance and don't be afraid.