Most human beings have an almost pathological desire for security. We want to feel safe and protected. In the realm of physical self-preservation, this is a good thing. After all, it is kind of hard to live and love and do all the things you dream of doing if you aren't actually living and breathing.
The problem is that we have extended this quest for protection and comfort into almost all other facets of our lives. We place money, fear of failure, fear of rejection, and calculated risk-taking on the same level of magnitude as oxygen.
But the truth is while money is useful for day-to-day subsistence, it can't buy true security. It is an illusion. We're all vulnerable. Stock market crashes, Ponzi schemes, long-term hospitalization, mortgage debacles, internet bubbles—they all can steal away our so-called security in the blink of an eye.
And what about pursuing our dreams and passions?
As a society we have grown so accustomed to ease and comfort, that we are often willing to shelve our dreams in exchange for cable TV, eating out, and the newest iPhone. We are so afraid of failing or being rejected. But rejected by who really? It's not like the tribe is going to boot us out into the cold and dreary wilderness to fend for ourselves against lions, tigers, and bears.
And even if our friends or family ridicule us, shouldn't that be a sign that we're attaching ourselves to the wrong people. Yes, those who are close to us are usually just trying to shield us from getting hurt. Because they love us and care for us. But if you find yourself continually slamming up against a wall of naysayers and critics, you might want to reconsider your relationships.
Anyone who truly loves you will support you no matter how crazy or silly they think you dreams are.
Fear, in actuality, is rarely more than thoughts running rampant in our head. I love Hellen Keller's quote:
"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing." –Hellen Keller
Life is way too short and precious to whittle it away clinging to a false sense of security. Go out and live. Roll the dice. You probably have a lot less to lose than you think.
