Salto mortale

…is a wonderful sounding phrase for a (potentially) disastrous action.

It’s defined as a “taking a substantially dangerous (possibly lethal) risk.”

To try to beat the light (on a bike). To surf a tsunami. Or steal honey from an African honey bee.

Thing is, most ‘risks’ in life aren’t lethal. They just feel like they are.

Speaking up in a meeting. Going to that party. Starting a business. Changing your job. Asking someone out. These things won’t kill you.

In fact, if you get a bad outcome (the worst case scenario), you’ll likely (soon) find a way to recover.

Hence, the beauty the phrase, “non salto mortale.” Literally, not fatal.

What a great way to remind yourself you can’t die trying.