Life Is A Gamble

If you look at the true definition of gambling, it is to risk something of value on something with an uncertain outcome. This "valuable" thing could be our hearts, our time, our hard earned cash, but no matter what it is, we are willing to risk it for something better (i.e. the uncertain outcome). My friend Albert was here last night and we went out gambling (in a casino). As we were talking I started to think why I was so willing to lose the $20 I put into a slot machine. I knew my odds were bad of winning a jackpot. Hell, I know better just by working in the gaming industry here! But I was still willing to do it. My twenty buck lasted a long time actually. At one point, due to a very nice hit on Keno, I had doubled my money. Why then did I come home with nothing?

I look at our decision to move to Austin as a gamble as well. We are risking comfort, good jobs, familiarity, and closeness of friend to go to a place where we don't know the outcome. I guess that is the excitement of gambling. The adrenaline rush of waiting to see the outcome, to see if your risk was a good one or one that leaves you going home with nothing.

To me, the risk is always worth it! No matter the outcome, something was always learned. Last night for instance, I learned to leave while I am ahead. Doubling my money IS a good thing even if it was only $20. I learned what games paid me more and what games took more money faster. I learned that life is like a casino. You go in hoping for a winning streak. You risk everything to gain something. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but in the end you have to reflect on if the whole experience was worth it. To me, last night was. I was able to spend hours with my best friend who I have not seen since Christmas! We caught up, talked deeper into what was really going on with us, our lives and our relationships. For that alone, it was worth the $20!

I guess what I am trying to say is: Gamble it all! Make the choice, and gamble it all! You may have to lose a little to gain a lot! I think our move will gain us tons! New friends, new experiences, new jobs that might be better than the jobs we have! I am willing to gamble it all! Nothing in life is ever gained without a little risk involved!