May 13, 2015, Prescott- I was wakened this morning by a job call for a middle school science classroom. Normally, I turn down anything where I would be figuring the material out, as I went along. Not knowing math and science cold has been a deterrent, in such posts. This morning’s job description was mainly caretaking, while the students read and answered questions about the text, so I took the job, and will have four days, at least, this week, plus two days next week, to end the academic year.

I’ve thought a lot about comfort zones, of late. Something has removed anxieties that I used to feel about moving into territory from which I have shied away, in the past. The academic scene is an example. Yesterday, I worked a math class, albeit at fifth grade level.  I was at least as smart as the fifth graders.

On the trail, I used to not do handholds up rock faces. On Sunday, I didn’t give it a second thought, going up the cliff. I don’t think I will take on rock-climbing, mind you, but the moderately difficult hand over hand is no longer a barrier.

Facing myself, when I ponder what, exactly, I am doing that is of value, is a periodic challenge. Today, I just looked in the mirror, after actually getting along with a person with whom I’ve had sharp differences in the past, and decided it’s worth every minute, of each day, to walk up to a challenge and face it. There is nothing that says I am not at least as worthwhile, not at least as capable, of stretching the comfort zone.