I’m a very cautious person, or so I like to think. I don’t believe in “YOLO” or doing potentially dangerous things “because I can.”

However, as I get older and supposedly wiser, I’m learning to differentiate between stupidity and opportunity. Sure, I don’t recommend jumping off tall buildings or objects “for fun”. But if you’re attached to safety gear or have a team waiting to catch you at the bottom, go for it!

Project Adventure is a perfect example. Sure, it’s got some risks involved. Not everyone can stomach jumping onto a zip line or climbing telephone poles with giant staples stuck in the sides. But I for one tried to climb and jump as much as possible in that class, because I knew that even though there was a considerable distance between myself and the ground, more likely than not, I would come through it OK.

If you are taking a risk for something you truly believe in—your values, a cause you are passionate about, or someone you care about—then you should go for it. That doesn’t mean rush in without a second thought. Weigh the consequences. Make sure you have some sort of safety net in case it doesn’t work out the way you hope it will. But at the same time, don’t spend so long making a decision that the opportunity passes.

Sometimes, life forces you to step out of your comfort zone. For example, my character in spring play this year has to flirt with another one. It’s really awkward, but it’s supposed to be. I fought it at first, because I’ve never flirted with anyone in my life, but then I realized that 1. I’m a senior and while this will hopefully not be my last production, I might not get the chance to play a character like this again, and 2. It’s probably not that different from if I actually tried to flirt, anyway. Overall, I have nothing to lose by going slightly over the top. So instead of backing down, I’m going to try to play it up as much as I can.

Don’t take chances just because. But do take opportunities, even if they involve a little bit of risk. My dad always says you regret more the things you don’t do than the things you do, and in my experience, he’s usually been right.

So, do something. Get the number of the person you’ve been crushing on for a few months. Maybe even ask them to prom. Take on a project. Try a new food. Choose a mission, and give it your all. Because, really, what’s the worst that can happen?  You might get turned down. Your project might not turn out absolutely perfect. That new food might be the most disgusting thing you’ve ever tasted. But will your life end? Will you have made the wrong choice? No. In fact, your life will be richer because of your decision to take the chance instead of sitting back.

14nfeyerherm@usd489.com