(Estimated reading time 2 minutes)

A couple of week’s ago I ordered a bookshelf for my home office – the kind that comes in a box with a  lot of pieces. In the past, I have to admit that I have never put together anything like that. I normally look to others around me who seem confident and willing to help out. This time I had been waiting expectantly, and when the box arrived I was the only one at home. Buoyed by my success with new endeavours earlier on in the week, I decided that it was time to put my first bookshelf together. Setting my reluctance aside, I carefully checked that all the pieces were present and then turned to the instructions. It took a while for me to make sense of them and I had a moment where I almost decided to pack it in and wait for my husband or sons to return so that one of them could do it for me. What kept me going was the thought that I needed to prove to myself that there are so many things that are possible if I just put my mind to it.

Our dog seemed to have some concerns about how well I was doing.

After giving both of us a reassuring pep talk, I kept going.

It took a bit of time, but once I was done I was ready to celebrate what felt like a great achievement. When you really think you can’t do something and then you find out that you can…it’s quite intoxicating. I’d even go so far as to say it’s inspiring and without a doubt it is energizing. It makes you see yourself in a different light; it’s a strong light that’s full of hope and courage. Putting yourself in a position where you have to learn a new skill can help break the limiting ideas you’ve had about yourself. It builds courage and gives you the confidence to try other new things.

The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome. The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse. Helen Keller

Here’s to living with courage, clarity, compassion and confidence!