Dooley Noted: 8/30/2015
I have the honor of teaching via visiting professorship for St. George’s University.
Since the medical school is located in Grenada, a British isle in the Caribbean, people drive on the left side of the road.
I’m on my 11th visit to the island.
I’d been too scared to drive here, since I had never driven on the opposite side.
Then, a dear friend from my past came back into my life, and he came with me to the island.
The great truth about friends is they can see in you what you can’t quite see in yourself.
We rented a car, and I watched as he drove with relative ease on the opposite side.
After a fun week of anatomy, beautiful scenery, and heavy lifting, he helped me see the importance of believing I could do things.
I drove him to the airport today. Somebody had to drive the rental car back.
I channeled my friend’s confidence in me, the same confidence he puts into himself.
I drove on the other side of the road – and it wasn’t as scary as I thought.
I was more careful and less distracted.
I was focused and attentive to my task.
And as I pulled safely into my parking spot, I felt confident that my friend’s confidence reflected onto my achieved task.
The confidence was now mine to own.
You can fear the unknown, and never take a drive on the other side.
Or, you can see yourself as others see you, and take a chance on trying something new.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley
