Everyday Canvas

Risking

Prompt:
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” T.S. Eliot
Let this quote inspire your writing today.

-----------

Taking risks and pushing beyond my comfort zones? I did those and then some, but now in old age, I don't have the same nerve as I had earlier. Neither do I have the wish to find out about how far I can go. Nevertheless, this quote is priceless for the young and the young-at-heart for it encourages them to venture into the unknown and face and embrace uncertainties.

Then, ""going too far" doesn't necessarily imply reckless or thoughtless actions, either; rather, it emphasizes the need to surpass self-imposed limits and others' expectations. It is mostly beneficial to open oneself to new experiences, challenges, and opportunities.

This willingness to take risks and explore uncharted areas helps uncover one's own hidden talents and strengths. Especially if that person can be bold and resilient. Also, by daring to confront fears, taking calculated risks, and testing one's limits, that self-discovery can be quite rewarding.

While writing about this quote, all the famous explorers like Marco Polo, Magellan, and others came to my mind. But then, one doesn't necessarily need that kind of boldness for self-discovery and gains, and most gains need not be for oneself or one's fame alone. While Mother Theresa comes to mind in this area, there are those, who may be less known in our time, with the same or similar empathy.

Among them is the U.S. product designer Patricia Moore. During the late 1970s at age 26, she dressed up as an 85-year-old woman to discover what life was like as an elder. Based on her experiences, she invented new products for use by elders, such as those thick rubber-handled potato peelers. Then she went on to invent things for maimed war veterans and she came up with designs for rehabilitation centers for them. Patricia Moore is only one person but there are many others like her and the world and our humanity is better and richer, thanks to them.


.