Self-presentation, social media posts
or advertising — all enhance our visibility. For many it’s heroism to speak about their deeds. I love
to ask others about their achievements and to my surprise most people can’t remember any. At the same time they do love to hear stories about the success of others.
Do you know why? Because in these stories they see a reflection of themselves. Outstanding
personalities and charismatic leaders are not the only ones who deserve admiration. Our lives are
full of great achievements as well. Who wasn’t vulnerable and resilient when facing difficulty?
Who didn’t feel shy and confident during their first date? Who hasn’t hesitated when it was time to make an important choice? Part of today’s irony is that when chasing the big goals we underestimate the importance of the small actions that get us there. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”, said Laozi.
We were not born as great athletes, gurus or masters. At birth we couldn’t even walk! It took time
and extra-effort to become who we are. I consider myself a self-made person. I didn’t come from a rich family. My parents divorced when I was three, and each of them was busy with their lives.
Spending more time in boarding schools than at home I realized very early that if I wanted to achieve something it would be up to me. In life I was always given a choice and always preferred the one which would make me better. My new project Academy of Social Competency is part of my heroism.
As an introvert during my early childhood, I loved solitude and quietness. Nevertheless, my life’s
circumstances dictated otherwise. I made a big shift when at the age of 23 I lost my husband and was left alone with two children. At that time my daughter was five and my son was only three, and I made a promise that my children would never be deprived from tangible and intangible comfort. I had to start my own business which meant communicating with people and building relationships — the opposite of my dream of having a big family with six children and devoting myself to them.