Risky business!

I am thinking of trying something that has some risk to it and I am weighing risk vs security. On the one hand I would really like to do this, but on the other side it will affect those in my life – my family, my fellow employees, my social network. So even though the choice is mine to make, fear of the consequences holds me back.

Fear keeps us from doing things that are risky. Sometimes that’s a good thing – think of a 5 year old on top of a high wall. The fear keeps some kids from jumping (and may save a trip to the ER). But the experience is missed. The lesson learned from trying. The lesson learned from hitting the ground.

People with disabilities many times are not allowed to weigh risk vs security. The risk is removed from their lives by the people who care for and about them, or by rules and regulations that protect and limit liability, or in consideration for those in their lives –housemates, staff, parents. But the difference is that someone else is making the decision for them – deciding if they should stay on top of the wall or jump.

Not all risk has negative consequences. Many times the risk becomes reward as the experience opens doors that fear kept locked leading to growth. Kids who jump may learn how to land and become world class gymnasts. Think of a person with a disability considering getting a job. Very risky. Getting there, doing what you should, explaining your needs. And what happens during bad weather? Sometimes we hear of parents who discourage their adult son or daughter from getting a job because it’s so much safer to have them in a day program. Safer for all concerned.

What do you think? Have you been in a situation where risk won (and you’re sorry)? Or perhaps security won (and looking back you’re sorry for missing the experience). 

I’m still trying to decide.