In making critical and not so critical decisions, I have found myself struggling with playing it safe or taking a chance. Today I am facing a decision whether to attempt to ski while my hand surgery is healing. As my doctor says, if you take a fall and break open the wound you could face an ulcerative wound. Not nice. Therefore I am left with waiting for healing or enjoying some turns on the slopes. It was quite a blow to have to face several more days away from a wonderful winter passion to be safe. Before I started to write this blog, I did decide to postpone my immediate gratification and play it safe.
Thinking in a broader sense about what I just wrote above, I am reminded of decisions I have made on the ski slope that sometime pushed the boundaries of a safe ski run. One of my weaknesses is to ski slopes and conditions beyond my ability. Too often I have been tempted to ski in conditions that one playing it safe would not do. However, most skiers are addicted to the rush the comes from conquering a Black Diamond or a field of moguls. As a considerably senior skier, one has to weigh the benefits of rising to challenges versus playing it safe to be able to ski another day.
Beyond skiing, I also do some things that are not playing it safe. E-Biking comes to mind. I am balancing the pleasure of biking and mobility versus the potential hazards of bike riding. I do my best to minimize the risks as a panacea to the danger.
The examples above are but a few of the daily decisions we make about playing it safe or taking risks. More examples come to mind! I'll confess that my diet does not always play it safe. I love my fritter, deserts and fail to avoid too much salt. Alas maybe all this angst ought to be put aside and go for it. YOLO - you only live once!
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