Don't avoid danger

Dan Miller —  July 8, 2011 — 12 Comments

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security 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 exposure.” – Helen Keller

 

I’m blown away every time I read this quotation.  Obviously, the message is amplified by knowing that Helen Keller was both deaf and blind.  She was the first deaf/blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts’ degree.  And she went on to become a respected American author, political activist and lecturer.

So what have you chosen?

Are you seeking “security” and avoiding “danger”?

Would onlookers describe your life as a “daring adventure”?

In Finding Passion, Personal Development , ,
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  • Cindy Hirch

    It is easy to stay in the security of the nest. It doesn’t
    require much on our part. While there we spend a lot of time talking about what
    we would like to be doing but rarely get there because we allow the fear of
    “what if” to overshadow “I can.”  Being pushed out or moving out on our own, but
    still knowing you have people cheering you on and supporting you, can make the
    move less daunting. Looking back, it’s always been situations at the time, or people that
    have pushed me past my comfort zone that have produced the greatest moments of
    victory.

  • http://jasonfountain.blogspot.com Jason Fountain

    That’s a great question! I started a blog about two months ago after talking about it for a year. That was definitely a “dangerous” move – it causes you to put yourself “out” there for scrutiny, criticism, or whatever.

    That is an awesome quote.

    • Anonymous

      Jason – yes it does.  And it also opens the door for a daring adventure rather than a boring, predictable life.  Keep making those “dangerous” moves!

  • Dawn Blair

    Another reiteration for me – second one this week. I really think the universe is trying to tell me something! :) Just last night I was reading a paper put together by Barbara Winters and in it she had the definition of False Security which basically stated depending on someone else to support you. I keep wishing I had a safety net for what I’d like to do, but in truth there is no such thing, ever. That’s just my desire for security and it’s false. I wonder if sometimes you just have to leap first to find out if you can fly. What do you think?

    • Anonymous

      A musician from here in Nashville wrote a book a few years ago

      I think the net appears only after we jump.  Enjoy the process

  • Kim

    After trying to influence my DH with Dave’s (Ramsey) teaching, I took the leap and separated from him after 32 years.
    As a believer, this was not the path I wanted to take, but I am finding that sometimes causing a crisis is what is needed to pull people from complacency. The journey is still new, but I recently read some journals from my past and am seeing my progress. By empowering myself to change even though my beloved spouse is yet behind, I am on the journey. It has been challenging, but perceived security by staying in my situation would have been disastrous long term.
    My children haven’t understood, but I trust some day they will. I’ve been soaking in the 48 Days goal setting information and hope in the next 8 years I will be heading in the direction I have wanted to for a very long time.
    I have had to face my own insecurities, feelings of lack, and fear, but the freedom by “being to myself true” has been worth the risk.
    I love my family. But I also feel the need to respect myself enough to allow for change. Thanks to Dr Cloud, Debra Norville and Dan for authoring books like “One Life Solution”, “Power of Respect” and “48 Days” to give me the tools to change my family… at least change me.
    Thanks for listening, and possibly understanding.

  • Bssimp

    Helen Keller was an amazing women, who showed us what living our potential really looks like. When my grandmother was in her 20′s, she met her while working in a little diner on the beach in California!

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  • http://kidbillymusic.com Billy Kirsch

    Dan,
    Great way to start the day, reading this post. As a creative person, I often mention that I’ve spent my life jumping off cliffs – metaphorically. But it’s the only way to create, innovate and lead a passion filled life. Thanks for providing a great start to my day!

    • Anonymous

      Billy – glad you enjoyed it.  When I think about the unique challenges Helen Keller had and then look at my own life I’m embarrassed I haven’t attempted more “daring adventures.”

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1537272280 Sheila Farley

    Helen Keller reminds me of my blind male cousin who’s 17 years old. He has done more school activities than any other teens his age and has won top awards too including weightlifting. I can’t forget a couple of years ago when he was biking and I was so frightened at the sight of him on it. He just matter-of-factly said, “There is still some light that I can see.” What courage….what faith…..By the way, two weeks ago, he was climbing some tree and running after his sighted brother….

    • Anonymous

      Sheila,
      Funny how a “disability” can be the stimulus for extraordinary accomplishment.  I’m sure you’ll learn some amazing things from your young cousin.