“Hey, Bill, there are a couple roofing tiles about to fall off the garage roof. Any idea how that happened?”
I had a real good idea how it happened. I had kicked them loose while jumping off the garage roof, something I was forbidden to do. I knew it, and my dad, who had asked the question, knew it. The only question remaining was this: do I tell the truth, and risk punishment, or do I try to b.s. my way through it, and risk worse punishment?
I knew I shouldn’t do it. Hell, I’d been punished for doing it in the past. But it was so much fun, climbing up on the roof and then jumping over to the neighbor’s yard, pretending to be Superman chasing the bad guys. It just seemed, at the time, to be worth the consequences. Facing my dad’s question, and his stern look, I was beginning to question my choice.
Grounded for a week . . . not bad . . . could have been worse . . . could have been much worse . . .
I’ve always been that way. Risk is usually pushed aside in favor of the experience. It probably explains why I’ve had so many jobs. Sure, it would have been nice to work at the same place for forty years and collect a great retirement, but at the same time it would have been dull as hell.
It also explains why I’m a writer today. The safe bet would have been to remain a teacher until retirement, but eight years ago I laughed at the same bet and declared to all the world that I was a freelance writer, hear me roar!!!
And it all worked out, and one reason why it did work out is because I trust in my abilities.
I’m not sure what the central message of this post is. There are several, actually. Maybe you’ll find one which speaks to you. In the meantime, I have more roofs to jump off of.
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
Love this and sometimes I agree the risks are most definitely worth taking! Happy Tuesday now, my friend 🙂
I just wish, Janine, that I could figure out which are worth taking and which I should leave alone. lol Happy Tuesday, Janine, and thank you!
Risk is what makes life interesting…
I have taken the roof jump too and would have done it even if I knew how it resulted. Sure, I could still be working for Nike but….
I totally get it Bill.
We ARE risk takers.
Nike ain’t all that great, Greg! Good decision on your part, buddy!
this article truly resonated with me. I have had so many businesses that I could wallpaper a wall with the different biz cards. I love change and decided way back being unhappy at work is not worth it..even not paying bills. It is about enjoying the day. I know so many people staying in jobs they hated to collect the pension. We even moved to a few places with no job and wondering how we would make it work..It somehow did. Why be bored. So you write, are an urban farmer and probably do a million other things..Makes life fun.
Exactly, Carol….have fun for the short time we are on this planet…don’t get trapped in a dead-end cycle….good for you, my friend!
I totally agree in life one must risk now and then and often it ends in success. Hope you’re having an inspirational week.
I’m having a busy week, Rasma. Does that count as inspirational? Wishing you peace of mind this week.
The message I get from this? It was as Jesus Christ said, we have to count the cost. If it is worth it to us, why not do it! If not, realize that writing for a living is not for you, dust off your sandals and move on!
Eloquently stated, Donna! Me, I just do it and count the cost afterwards. 🙂
Hello Bill – The risk in jumping off the roof was a broken leg. Raising a defense to your Dad was punitive. I jumped off a roof now and then. Today, I might break something just climbing onto the roof.
This is another nice piece of writing.
Thanks Mike! Somehow I avoided the broken bone punishment. What can I tell ya? Some of us lead gifted lives. 🙂
Stay alive, Bro. Lol.
Risk-takers do amazing things! The Chinese describe risks as danger vs opportunity. So it’s not all bad.
Yes. Many lessons here … obey your parents … I’m getting old Bill. Excellent write!
I’m getting old right along with you, Manatita! It ain’t so bad, is it? 🙂
It’s cool.
I feel like 7 sometimes. I sing and dance and jump and make merry. Who said that life is supposed to be serious? Cool!
Bill
Yeah, never been one for a ‘safe path’ either! The only reason I’ve been at the ‘daytime’ job I’m doing now for so long is simply no two days are ever the same!
I think we got your message ‘loud and clear’ and for me, it was “trust your ability” so thank you for the encouragement.
Thanks Lawrence! That was actually the central point; I’m glad it came through loud and clear.
Ah, Big Bro, I typed a big ol’ comment here last night and sniff sniff, it did not appear and I got a “duplicate comment detected” warning from WordPress, even though I didn’t see my comment. Gotta love technology. So, I’ll give you the short version: life is dull without risk. We won’t ever grow. Thanks for being a role model for us. 🙂
Sorry about the disappearance thing, Lil Sis! I think Google and WordPress do that occasionally to let us know they are in charge of modern communication. lol Thanks for trying, but I love your short version.
Hugs my kindred friend
Going with your gut, trusting instincts and taking that risk . . . . . we did by uping sticks to go live in a country we don’t speak the language in for starters! There are times i don;t trust in my own abilities and it is so true if you do you will succeed, i firmly believe that. You have blossomed Bill doing what you love and making a buck along the way. You are a great example of taking that risk and trusting in yourself.
Aww thanks, Irish! You moved to a foreign country….I’m not sure I would do that, but you were willing to take the risk, and I say Bravo to you!
The risks have obviously been worth taking for you Bill.
I think so too, Andrea! Thank you!