In want of an exoskeleton...

...Or a nice, hard, protective shell; I'd always be safe inside. The first hint of danger, and I'd retract all of my soft, squishy parts into the safe shell for protection. Heck, with a thick exoskeleton I wouldn't even have to be on the look out for danger; my soft, squishy parts would always be protected.



We all have some form of shell, we all have ways we've learned to sheild ourselves from pain. Some might laugh and brush aside the cutting remarks of another; some might lash out first, never letting the other person get the upper hand; some might be a perpetual victim illiciting sympathy and compassion from those around them. "Shells" come in all shapes and sizes. You could turn to drugs or alcohol to numb and stuff the hurt. You could keep yourself constantly distracted to keep from feeling the hurt. You could hold people off at a distance, not letting them in past the crusty exterior you've worked so hard to construct. Sometimes, having a shell sounds nice and safe and easy.



Life is full of pain. You try something and fail. You want something and don't get it. You see loved ones hurting. Disapointments pile up.



Life is one big risk.

Only A Person Who Risks Is Free
Author Unknown

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach for another is to risk involvement.
To expose your ideas, your dreams,
before a crowd is to risk their loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To believe is to risk dispair.
To try is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken, because
the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
The people who risk nothing, do nothing,
have nothing, are nothing.
They may avoid suffering and sorrow,
but they can not learn, feel, change,
grow, love, live.
Chained by their attitudes, they are slaves;
they have forfeited their freedom.
Only a person who risks is free!




Is the risk and ensuing pain worth it? YES. Life is full of pain, but we are made to have JOY. Every pain, every heartache makes us stronger, gives us more empathy for others and teaches us how to be better and do better. It sucks. It hurts. It's a struggle and a fight. It's worth it, though. It's worth the pain to grow and give and learn and help!