In a way doesn't that risk make you feel more alive, like with sky diving, scuba diving, etc? I do all three (flying, sky and scuba diving) and enjoy that feeling of "living a little." I also value the opportunity to see the world from a different perspective....not my usual perspective on the ground.
Discussion
When you're in the air by yourself there is no other concern in the world. The level of focus is unlike anything I've ever experienced.
Where are you at now? Last I checked you were at the solo cross country phase.