What I’ve Learned About Safety
What it is, what it’s not, and where it lives
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I’m not an idiot.
I understand crime statistics, probabilities. I exercise common sense and probably more than most, I can be hypervigilant.
I’m no stranger to risk, and am averse to it in some contexts — mostly around human interactions and heights.
In other contexts, risk thrills me. In exploring the depths of the ocean, in letting go of others’ expectations in pursuit of joy, in getting close to wild creatures who I convince myself feel safe with me.
Other times, risk makes me uncomfortable but I take it anyway. In speaking the truth despite consequences, in saying “no” when “yes” would serve someone else’s agenda. Someone with power.
I take calculated risks all the time, and avoid risks frequently, in pursuit of this thing we call safety.
And this is how I understand what safety is, and what it isn’t.