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From: Alan B
Date: 01 Oct 2012
Time: 12:29:24 -0500
Remote Name: 95.144.96.130
Hi Pam, Thank you for taking the time to read my article and providing feedback. I very much appreciate your generous comments. A legend??? Isn’t that a euphemism for someone who is “long in the tooth”? :-) The reason I speak so passionately about expanding our comfort zones is that I lived most of my life in total ignorance of that important concept. We will never change anything by retaining the status quo. We need to step outside our safe areas and do the things that we always believed we could not do. We need to widen our self-concept to accommodate new behaviours and roles; otherwise our existing self-image will continue to impose its restrictions. For so many years, I was oblivious to my true potential - sacrificing my aspirations for the false illusion of comfort and safety. When I took charge of my thoughts, and systematically exposed myself to risks, I created the perfect antidote for the debilitating effects of fear and self-doubt. I know that you have also trodden similarly exciting paths during recent years and also reaped the benefits. Although I do not currently have any plans to attend next year’s World Congress in the Netherlands, I am hopeful that our paths will cross again before too long. You also enquired “And what is it you hope to accomplish on your own journey in the next 2-3 years? What areas do you still wish to leap beyond comfort?” Despite having promised myself (for many years) that I will write my autobiography, I still haven’t found time to fulfil that task. However, a Canadian friend has very kindly translated 17 or 18 of my online paper/articles into French and arranged them into an online book. Maybe, I should consider doing something similar (in the English language) as an interim measure? With regards to stepping outside my comfort zone – you may be aware that I have been invited to address the forthcoming ASHA Annual Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. In the past, speaking before such a large audience would have filled me with considerable dread. However, I have become so accustomed to public speaking during recent years that I simply view it as another exciting challenge. Pam, I sincerely hope that the sentiment I expressed in my last sentence does come across as egotistical – it was certainly not my intention. It’s just that I’m at a place in my life where I am totally at ease in any speaking situation. Having clarified that point, I will now bring my senile ramblings to a close. Thank you, once again. Kindest regards Alan