Growing up the ninth of ten children was an interesting experience. It created an environment where I had very little formal training. This meant that most things, like tying my shoes or combing my hair, were learned through observation – and my determination to keep pace with older siblings also meant that this usually happened at an accelerated rate.

There were times when I would stall and internally refuse to learn something that seemed a bit more complicated than I thought I could handle. In these moments, I would create stories about why I couldn’t do it, until I was convinced that it would be avoided at all cost. Then, there would inevitably be a situation where I had to tackle my imaginary mountain, and afterwards I would usually think, that’s it?

As an adult, there are times when I create stories about that imaginary mountain. When I recognize the pattern, I do my best to summon enough courage to take action. And similar to my childhood experience, after I learn that new thing or take the difficult action, I often look back and think, that’s it?