My youngest sister was born premature and as a result had pulmonary problems as a child.  Because she suffered from chronic asthma, there was little expectation for her to be a strong and healthy child.  One of the therapies she was subjected to in an effort to strengthen her lungs, was swimming underwater.  I am sure this started out as a terrifying experience for a young child who had trouble breathing to begin with.  I remember in my early school years, watching my sister in the pool trying to hold her breath and thinking she looked like a June bug just floating on the water.  Being the older sister, I would just laugh and call her “Little Bug”.  But by the time we were both teenagers, “Little Bug” could out lap me in the pool because she had better breath control in the water than I did.  I might have started out the stronger child but because my sister was forced to focus on her weakness, she became the stronger swimmer.  I still call her “Little Bug” but I also proudly announce that she is the “Wickedest Wench of the West,” as she has become a highly accomplished member of sailboat racing team.  As a result, my little sister has become the inspiration for focusing on my weaknesses and turning them into strengths.      

During my academic years, I would rather have translated the Krebs Cycles into Latin while explaining the Quadratic Formula to a Kindergartner then write more than my name on a piece of paper.  Writing was my Kryptonite as a student and I only put enough effort into this subject to get by.  If you are reading this blog, you may be a little surprised by what my high school teachers have to say about my writing skills.
 

Focusing on my lack of writing abilities during my adult career brought about a dynamic shift in my talents and skill sets.  Of course, I made large mistakes and fabulous failures along the way.  It was this practice of failure, analyze and retry that strengthened my talent.  I am still focused on developing my writing skills, as I believe I have room for improvement.  I no longer dread the idea of having to create something out of written words.  Having the ability inscribe ideas into copy has allowed me to develop a career in Marketing and that is not to shabby for someone who holds a bachelors degree in Biology. 

Challenge yourself to take on the areas in which you are weak.  You might find a limitation that becomes a force in your own paradigm shift.  Inspire those around you to alter their course by transforming vulnerability into a vigorous and productive option for personal growth. 

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