TURNING POINTS

SOMETIMES SURPRISING

Have you ever experienced an event, which in retrospect brought about a change in your life, a difference in your interactions with the world around you, or perhaps resulted in a great gift? I did.

One day in the summer of 1993, an acquaintance at my gym was showing pictures of her first triathlon. Words are not sufficient to describe the pride and sense of accomplishment evident on her face as she crossed the finish line. At that moment, I knew I wanted the same look on my face.

We began meeting to train together as we are both the same age and at that time, were about the same fitness level. Our acquaintance developed into a friendship. The following June, I completed my first triathlon. In itself, that accomplishment was a “turning point” in my life. I experienced the joy of pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, a discovery I have applied to many areas of my life, further reinforcing the merit in extending myself beyond that which is comfortable. Even more valuable than the discovery of self-confidence, was the friendship I continue to enjoy today, 17 years later. Who could predict that enjoying a few pictures shared by an acquaintance would become a “turning point” leading to lifelong self-confidence and treasured friendship?

What stories would you tell about the turning points in your life? Please visit the new She Writes group, Writers’ Opportunities. We would love to add you as a contributing author to Turning Points: Changing Lives One Person at a Time.