Risk

 

In simple terms, risk is the possibility of something bad happening. Risk involves uncertainty about the effects/implications of an activity with respect to something that humans value (such as health, well-being, wealth, property or the environment), often focusing on negative, undesirable consequences.

I try to avoid risk.

With that said, life is full of risk.

Everyday we take risk. We risk falling out of bed in the morning. We slipping on the kitchen floor making coffee. We risk getting into a metal mobile machine and getting t-boned at an intersection. We risk the food we eat has not been properly inspected or prepared. We risk someone else coughing on us and giving us the plague.

Reading is a risk. We learn and are presented with history, science, poetry, mystery, horror, fantasy, philosophy and other’s opinions and thoughts. If there is a problem, we risk not solving it without knowledge of math or psychology. The risk of knowledge might also bring power.

Going to school is a risk. If you are not smart enough or unaccepted, you risk failure. Relationships risk rejection. Intimate relations risk unintended results. Applying for employment risk not having the proper education or skills required for the job description. Once employed, there is the constant risk of not meeting the changing requirements of the job, technically or complying with the corporate mission causing firing and lose of salary.  

Buying expensive purchases are risky. A house, car, refrigerator can depreciate in value, break, or be destroyed in a fire or natural disaster. Insurance supposedly reduces lost but it too is a risk.

Health care is always a risk because we enjoy not taking care of ourselves and rely on the medical profession to give us a shot or a pill or a potion to prolong our lives.

For whatever reason, you decide to disallow the rules, there is a risk of detention, judaification, fines, loss of accesses, imprisonment or death.

Risk is stressful.

I try not to cross bridges or go down steep slopes. I avoid heights. I do risk traveling on streets but avoid as much traffic as possible.

Tonight, will be rocking on the porch with a cold drink watching a storm blow by with the risk that tomorrow may not come.