You hear about it a lot in banking and investing circles. The talk and speculation about risk and return. Is it worth the risk? Hmm…depends on the return.
But today I’m not talking about banking or investing. Because it’s the 4th of July. Independence Day here in America. And I read the famous poem, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.”
When I think about the circumstances surrounding Mr. Revere’s famous ride, I wonder…
“Did he consider whether he could take the risk and return home again?”
Because it was a very dangerous time in our newly declared country. There could have been British soldiers hiding in any number of places along his route. He could’ve been shot. And if he had been captured, it wouldn’t have gone well either.
But thankfully Paul Revere WAS willing to take the risk. And he DID return to his home and his life. And America fought for and won the freedom we still enjoy some of today.
Most people around the world can’t pursue their creativity. And most of them will possibly never know what it’s like to build a business and make money based on a dream. Here, in America, we basically take it for granted that we can do those things if we truly want to. But don’t ever forget how much our freedom cost. More than you or I will ever be able to repay.
Independence Day, the 4th of July here in America, is the perfect time to acknowledge the bold and brave men and women who served our country and helped provide and protect our freedom. Because of them you and I are able to take safer risks.
We can start our own businesses. And make better lives for ourselves and our families. And we don’t have to worry about a British soldier shooting us for it.
So, that’s a huge plus. Right?
Go have a fun, happy, safe Independence Day celebration today. And here’s an excerpt from Mr. Longfellow’s famous poem to get you going…
So through the night rode Paul Revere;
And so through the night went his cry of alarm
To every Middlesex village and farm,—
A cry of defiance, and not of fear,
A voice in the darkness, a knock at the door,
And a word that shall echo forevermore!
For, borne on the night-wind of the Past,
Through all our history, to the last,
In the hour of darkness and peril and need,
The people will waken and listen to hear
The hurrying hoof-beats of that steed,
And the midnight message of Paul Revere.
Happy Birthday America!
Stay Ready,
Ronda