“First find out what you are capable of, then decide who you are.” TARA Westover

Self discovery is an ongoing journey. We question ourselves all the time about emotions, behaviour and choices. Ironically most of us are judging these things from experience and mindsets from our past history and knowledge . What else do we have to go on?

This quote brought something into focus that I had not considered. What am I capable of? Have I, at the maturing age of (almost) 50, ever really explored what I am able to accomplish? I suggest and promote this from my students and children. Why am I resistant to push myself? The old excuses of it being too late in life, or that there is not enough time or money, are becoming tired. The other reason is fear. Fear of failure, or even worse discovering I’m not that great at what I pursue. The fear of failure is paralyzing. I’m exhausted of being afraid.

I have recently realized that through the blips and mistakes we learn and grow. I know that pushing yourself is the way to find out what your capabilities are. We promote new parents to encourage their children to experience risks within their capabilities. The lessons that are taken from this will teach them how far they can extend beyond themselves and encourage self discovery. This can be true for any age.

As 2021 comes to a close, perhaps it is time to set your intentions to grow and learn who you are through experiences that you may not have though your were capable of. Learn what you can do, follow what you are drawn to and then... I choose to be inspired by those who take a leap for their future, and I am done feeling envious. It is time.