Temple Grandin was born August 29, 1947. At age two and because of her developmental "disabilities" she was diagnosed as autistic. Her life of accomplishment is depicted in the compelling HBO movie "Temple Grandin". Today she is a Doctor of Animal Science and professor at Colorado State University. Her accomplishments include her achievement as a bestselling author, and consultant to the livestock industry in animal behavior. As a person with high-functioning autism, Grandin is also widely noted for her work in autism advocacy.
Like some autistics Temple Grandin had a fear of doors and was reduced to near paralysis when facing an new or unknown door. It was a true obstacle of fear and she could not see beyond the idea of the door as a wall with some terror waiting for her behind it. At an early age Temple's mother planted the seed of an idea that only by mustering the courage to go through doors could a person discover the opportunities that lie waiting on the other side. Throughout her life Temple Grandin has faced new doors with trepidation yet she has also mustered the courage to walk through her fear to discover and achieve ever higher plateaus of success and accomplishment.
Temple Grandin and the miracle of her achievement, her persistent and ability to will herself forward in the face of unimaginable fear and doubt offers a reminder of how most of us see doors as obstacles in our lives. The doors appear as monolithic walls blocking our pathway. During today's challenges it feels like our economic pathway to our hopes and dreams is ruined or forstalled. It is in this moment of uncertainty that we can embrace the idea that today's challenges are but another door to be opened with a threshold leading to new opportunities.
From where does the courage come to face our fears? From where does the will come to walk through uncertainty and doubt? I recall my grand-daughter Raine; at age 3 she was a reluctant "flower girl" at her Uncle Derek's wedding. The affair was outside. When all the seats were full the music commenced and the cue came for the flower girl to walk down the aisle sprinkling red rose petals along the pathway to the alter. But in that moment the flower girl froze. The tiny sweet blonde in the white frilly dress stood still as if a monster blocked her path. And everyone understood. Half expected her to bolt away in tears. Then, as if some inner voice whispered "you can do this" she took a deep breath and charged down the aisle throwing those flowers with a determination like I never saw.
