Shattering Boundaries:

Having been a shy, timid person my boundaries shifted at different stages. Introduction to school was the first shock to my system. Competition didn’t come easily, so I’d sit and watch others compete. Boarding school was the next shattering experience. Here again, I didn’t feel the need to push myself forward. My dream remained to leave school, with all of its rules and regulations to conform, behind.

My insular existence was traumatized after marriage, when I arrived in non-English speaking countries, and had to learn other languages. Standing on my own feet as a single mother I realized that I didn’t need someone there to protect or look after me. Conversation could be a frightening experience when placed in unfamiliar situations.

Interviews, studying, and then teaching, all broke down barriers I had built up. Public speaking became something I enjoyed after experiencing trepidation at the thought. So often the thought of things is worse than actually doing it. Now writing holds challenges that I didn’t know existed before. At least this can happen in the privacy of the home. I am once again in a place where I can observe people and enjoy the wonders of nature. Yes, I am satisfied with the outcome.

When was the last time you took a risk (big or small), and pushed your own boundaries—socially, professionally, or otherwise? Were you satisfied with the outcome?              Ben Huberman

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