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. Overcoming my introversion was a necessity. My immigration to Canada also dealt with my introversion. Moving to a new country means
communication with a new system, new culture and new people and building new relationships. Is
it possible when you don’t know the English language? Yes! Utilize other resources — your body
language, manners, personal image, ability to listen and conflict resolution strategies. These
resources help to build effective and positive relationships, and they are the basis of my program.
Currently, I have many new friends and now communicate fluently in English, however, many
people don’t know the extra-effort it took.
When meeting other people, we only see the surface without really knowing the story beneath —
their challenges, fears and heroism. We rarely ask others if they ate or slept today, when was the last
time they loved or laughed, what or who makes them feel uncomfortable… All simple questions
that may reveal their everyday deeds.
Stop for a moment and look around! Chances are someone close to you is making a small heroic
deed right now!
28