Skip the Steps & Slide the Bannister
“As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction.” — Irish Blessing
Among a collection of miscellaneous quotes I have been saving, I recently rediscovered this muse: Grab life by the banister! I cannot remember where the expression came from but it’s clever and catchy, nudging us to climb onto the handrail at the top of the stairs and slide down. Sure, you may topple off halfway to the bottom or collapse on the floor when you have reached the base of the stairs, but if you land without injury, you will enjoy a thrilling ride. It suggests that we seize opportunities, take risks, and make the most of our experiences by holding on tight and navigating life’s twists and turns with enthusiasm and determination.
It got me wondering how risky I am and if I lack the incentive to take a chance. Does it count if skydiving is on my bucket list and I am willing to taste almost anything except hot sauce and horseradish, both of which start with the letter H as in “hell, no!”? Is there such a thing as a boldness scale or a temperament test to help me define my level of boldness?
Luckily, I found one on the web, aptly titled “How Bold Are You?” with only ten questions. The quiz lets you know if you are a born leader or a behind-the-scenes type of person, whether you live fearlessly or cautiously, or are aggressive or laid back. (ProProfs Quizzes has a multitude of short quizzes to take on topics from A to Z.)
My results told me I am “usually bold” and stand up for myself. The quiz reports that I speak my mind and do what works for me unless there is a possibility it will make too many waves, or it is better for me to take a step back. I can be outspoken when I need to be, but I also know when to keep my mouth shut. Mostly, I do not let people take advantage of me but sometimes my kindness lets certain opportunistic people play on my sympathy and manipulate me.
Though I do not fully trust a five-minute online assessment, I like this one’s outcome. Neither reckless nor timid, I fall somewhere in between. With confidence and courage, I ventured into the World Wide Web when I began Variegated Views, exposing myself to vulnerability each time I posted something.
For more fun, I took an assessment to determine what kind of a risk-taker I am, again, aptly titled “Risk Assessment — How Risky Are You?” Answering nine questions revealed that I am a “conservative aggressive” risk-taker who likes to push the envelope. Then they warned me to be careful and scale it back now and then.
Though innately spontaneous, I will think things through before taking the plunge, sticking my neck out, or rolling the dice. I dip my toes in the pool before jumping in, double-check for law enforcement before tossing an apple core out the car window, and strategize when I play Yahtzee. If I encounter a downpour while driving, I will pull over and wait for the rain to subside rather than put my flashers on and drive through it.
Admittedly, I dress more boldly than I behave. I prefer wearing vivid pastels and eye-catching designs to conservative grays and business attire. But I would never leap from a lava-rock ledge on the island of Oahu into the Pacific Ocean because I love life too much to risk drowning even if it meant they would bury me in a traditional Hawaiian muumuu.
Some things frighten me to death and others are not remotely intimidating. For example, I would sooner sing the “Star Spangled Banner” at the next Super Bowl than navigate congested roads leading to stadiums that host those massive events. Despite my fear, if an NFL official invited me to perform our national anthem, I would tackle the traffic for the thrill of performing before a live audience of thousands.
As a person who is usually bold and conservative-aggressive, I am willing to walk out on a limb and give advice — Break conformity but do not break all the rules. Seek solitude and new experiences. Take chances and take advice.
And for your own safety, inspect the banister for splinters before choosing to slide!
