I think about picking up hitchhikers every day.
EVERY DAY.
I just can’t do it. I wish I had more faith in humanity. As a 29 year woman, usually driving with children in the car, it just isn’t the right decision. Even when they aren’t in the car, it would be silly.
But I really would love to make someone’s day that much brighter. I think of how 97% of these people are truly just down on their luck. I think of how the experience could influence my life in so many positive ways, and how putting positive, trusting energy out in the world reciprocates back to you tenfold.
The risks are too great.
The what-ifs tear my heart apart. I can’t risk putting myself in a compromising position, risking my life for no reason but to make someone’s day.
This feels totally bogus to me sometimes. I’m a huge advocate of Free range parenting and I feel like my fears about hitchhikers are exacerbated by the media. Stranger danger is such a fad right now. Seriously…the dirty hippie on the side of the road is probably not a threat to my family. Why can’t I let it go. Every time I drive by a dirty hippie I get mad at our culture for blowing EVERYTHING out of proportion.
A nice person can’t even help out her fellow human being with a ride because of the possibility of risk. How screwed up is that?!
So I ask you all, my dear readers, what is something that you wish you could do, but are too scared to try? Am I alone in my fears of the unknown?
I’m very interested in hearing your responses!
