Life is full of choices. Sometimes the biggest choice is whether to move forward or stay where we are comfortable.
This week I’m making a presentation in Nottingham, England, at the Society of Legal Scholars conference. It’s a definite step outside my comfort zone. Now, don’t roll your eyes.
Yes, I teach a couple times a week at Purdue University, but I don’t teach other professors. Especially other professors with super cool accents. It’s actually quite odd to realize that this girl from the Midwest has an accent.
As I’ve listened to other presentations, I’ve realized just how American focused my education has been. It’s been extremely eye-opening. I’ve made a few connections, which is always fun, and it’s reopened the desire to do more international teaching. To do that though, I’ll definitely need to keep broadening my base of knowledge.
At the same time I’ve sat in on very enlightening sessions, I’ve also done a wee bit of sight-seeing. The castle behind me in this photo was used as the Wayne Hall in the latest Batman movie. Cool trivia, right? There’s just something about walking around a city with a couple castles that reminds you that you are most definitely not in the United States.
As a writer, experiences like this are invaluable. I don’t know if I’ll set a book in central England. But it’s interesting to dream.
Is God asking you to step outside your comfort zones? Are you open to the challenge? Tips for those of us who are stepping out?
Latest posts by Cara Putman (see all)
- Book Recommendations in Time for Summer and a Giveaway - May 22, 2025
- Cara’s Favorites - May 18, 2025
- What’s pulling you down? - May 8, 2025
Yep. Stepping out. Going to ACFW for the first time! You are in my happy place! I love love love England! Have a wonderful time. I look forward to meeting you. Blessings.
What a great opportunity, Cara! I’m slightly jealous but so glad you had the chance to go. I’m sure you did a fabulous job! Is it any wonder so many romance books are set in that beautiful country. With castles all around, how can one not think of fairy tales and happy endings. 🙂
Hi Cara !
Fantastic opportunity for you to visit the UK.:) It certainly does broaden one’s horizons and as we live in Aus, we just love visiting the UK and the US whenever the opportunity presents and it also gives us a chance en route to visit one of our sons and his family living in Singapore (also full of history, especially if you visit, “The Images of Singapore”
We’ve not long returned from the UK and we certainly had our fill of castles in Ireland and Scotland…. each of them different and so full of history. I adore London too!
Now, here’s something for you to ponder. Wouldn’t you like to go one step further and see our beautiful country too? Certainly a great place for a novel set in the Gold Rush Days. .You could even link it into California’s history….could be a best seller.:)
Enjoy your time in the UK and thanks for sharing your travels with us.:)
Wow, Cara! Sounds like an adventure to me, and I’m thrilled you have this opportunity!
I’m happy you’re able to do some sightseeing while there. Seeing a real castle is on my “Wish List”. 😉
Hugs, Patti Jo (who rarely leaves Georgia, LOL)
“Sometimes the biggest choice is whether to move forward or stay where we are comfortable.” So true! It feels safer and more inviting to stay where we’re comfortable, but I believe that God is always on the move. He’s always doing a new thing, and if we want to follow Him, we’re going to gave to step out of our comfort zones. Have a lovely time in England!
Don’t worry about your accent. I brought mine from Poland. Some people love it, but there are ones who don’t. You can’t please everyone.