A Soulful Journey

The greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing. The person who risks nothing, has nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow But he cannot learn, feel, change grow a love. Chained by his certitudes, he is a slave. He has forfeited his freedom. Only a person who risks is free.   – Ann Landers

I recall an old Ann Landers column that told of a woman who, when uptight, would sit with her vacuum cleaner and let the wind blow into her face full force.  Her relatives thought she ought to be committed but Landers responded that sitting and hugging the vacuum was a reasonable response when there is no alternative. We all need a vacuum cleaner now and again but a human is so much more comforting, isn't it?

It is always preferable to listen than speak.   When we listen we are attentive to the needs of others.   When we speak we are usually only attentive to ourselves. “A bore is a person who lights up the room when he leaves.”   -Ann Landers