John Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meany is a wonderful book which I read many years ago, (I worked out with John Irving once, but that is for another post). A line stuck with me through the years because I identify with it:

“That looked neat!” my cousin Simon would say; Simon loved to fall – he skied to crash.”

I identify with that line because that is how I ski (skied, there is not much snow in subtropical Florida). If at the end of a ski run, I have not fallen, I have not pushed myself enough. Not that I am a great skier, I am not. Snow is usually and hopefully nice and soft to fall on, so it is a bit easier to push oneself.

All this to say that you should push yourself beyond your comfort zone.

I was recently asked by my students to read at their graduation ceremony.

This is not like when I read at my little neighborhood parish in Madrid on Sunday mornings with max a hundred people in attendance. This was a packed, huge church with about a thousand people, four bishops, and all my colleagues and superiors. Despite much practice, I was nervous.

During my second Camino, before mass at the massive, fortified cathedral of Mondoñedo I was approached by the sacristan who explained how their tradition was to have pilgrims do the readings, never mind that I was wearing flipflops, shorts and a t-shirt (there is no formal attire for the Camino). One cannot -or should not- say no to such a request, so I read. After a long day of walking and meditation, it was an honor to read and I was deeply moved, and it was very emotional (yes, I cried).

So when you get a chance to push yourself out of your comfort zone; skiing or reading in front of many people, or whatever it might be, say yes, it will make you a better, stronger, humbler person.

You are welcome.