“Believe me, the secret for harvesting from existence the greatest fruitfulness and greatest enjoyment is – to live dangerously.” – Nietzsche
I found this quote the other day and loved it. I wanted to post it on my FaceBook. But I suddenly realized, “Why would I do that? I’m not living dangerously!” PLEASE! I’m a stay-at-home mom in the heart of a small city. I wrangle my kids schedules and try to squeeze in a bit of creativity between obligations. There is nothing dangerous about my life. I’m not living in a war zone. I’m not wondering where my next meal is coming from. I’m not shooting documentaries in the African rainforest (yet). Where’s the danger? Then I felt just dumb…and boring.
Then I relaxed into that a bit and started to think about it more. Well, I did just sent my novel to two people to get their feedback. That is dangerous, right? I’ve been a closet writer my whole life, but this is really the first time I’ve put my stuff “out there” for others to see. It is scary. Even telling people about it makes me nervous, yet I am starting to tell people about it. My ego is in danger of being harmed but I proceed anyhow.
I’ve been working on this idea for a new music video (the overly ambitious one). I met with a set-designer last week and got some great (and cheap) ideas of how I can pull it off. Oh, I decided to not contact Mr. Leto. Why? Because I found a song I like ever better for this concept! I emailed that band last night and now wait to hear back. Danger? You bet! Again my creative heart is on the line and …. what if they say YES? This rather well-known band from Europe saying yes, would mean I actually have to follow through and make this film. Now that seems very dangerous because the prospect frightens me… big time.
So I’m not climbing Mt. Everest solo without supplemental oxygen. But maybe I am being just a tiny bit dangerous in my own way. How about you? What dangers are you facing? What envelops are you pushing?