We can live creatively in challenging times through pursuing our dreams, developing our talents and sharing our blessings.

When we were small, our baby steps amazed us. With those first steps, we found we could go from where we were to where we wanted to be. When at first we fell down, we either got up or were picked up, and set out again to explore our world. No one thought that was unusual, dangerous or that we would not, or could not do it. In fact, if we did not in time do it, there was concern that something was wrong with us.

When we took those first physical steps, we also realized some nonphysical abilities. We discovered we had some control over ourselves, and we discovered our will. Often there was no stopping us short of physical restraint when we wanted to do something others did not want us to do. Other times, rules and regulations were imposed upon us “for our own good,” or for the convenience of others. The words “no” and “you cannot” meant disapproval, and we could not have what we wanted.

Sometimes we feel “stuck” because of self-imposed limitations. Some of us often restrain ourselves and use the term “can’t” when talking to ourselves. Some seek approval by fulfilling others’ expectations. The result is to feel a lack of personal fulfillment.

Begin today to take some new “first steps.” Unlike as a child, when you reached out for a bowl on the table because it was there, reach out today for personal fulfillment because you are in search of who you are. In Goethe’s words, “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.”

Barbara Basia Koenig is an Encinitas artist