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From: Alan (to Roya)
Date: 22 Oct 2009
Time: 15:02:03 -0500
Remote Name: 81.76.75.190
Hi Roya, Thank you, so much, for your generous comments. It was kind of you to write in such a vein. Many contributors to this threaded discussion have expressed the view that my paper is equally applicable to those who do not stutter. I totally agree! The concepts to which I referred are common to us all. Like the turtle, we can only move forward when we stick out our neck. We really must challenge ourselves if we are to attain personal growth. I wrote, in depth, about this subject in my 2003 ISAD Online Conference paper entitled, “’STEP OUTSIDE: Why expanding comfort zones can improve our stuttering and lead to more fulfilling lives’ http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/isad6/papers/badmington6.html It also formed the thrust of my keynote speech to the 2004 World Congress for People Who Stutter, held in Western Australia. When we achieve something that we, hitherto, considered impossible, it causes us to reconsider our disempowering beliefs. If we conquer something that has challenged our advancement, we grow in stature. When we overcome hurdles, it opens our eyes to possibilities that we could never have imagined. When we are stretched by a new experience, we likewise grow as individuals. I feel that I am a much more complete human being - my life is so much more meaningful. Stepping outside my comfort zone and treading a less familiar path has greatly enhanced my existence. Eleanor Roosevelt wrote: "You gain strength, courage and confidence every time in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do”. Roya,I am most grateful to you for reading my paper and taking the time to provide feedback. Kindest regards Alan