Opening myself to criticism was a big door to go through. You can be afraid about something your whole life, about being out in public where people know your name but not you, and it can cripple your ability to try new things.

Just try new things. Don't be afraid. Step out of your comfort zones and soar, all right?

When a kid graduates from being the youngest in a family to being a big brother or sister, there's an amazing transformation. They have to make a big effort, and when they accept their new position in the family, everybody breathes a sigh of relief. All of a sudden they seem bigger, and they seem smarter, and they feel good about it, too.

I'm driven to go out and find new things to write about.

I want to try new things and put myself out there and take some risks.

I like to challenge myself. I like to learn - so I like to try new things and try to keep growing.