New Blogger: Cristal Thomas

As I write this I am on my way to Turkey for three weeks to learn about the Turkish health care system and Turkish culture, network and build international connections.  It’s an exciting opportunity but one that also scares me.  Traveling alone to a country I’ve never been to before and immersing myself in different culture for three weeks definitely falls outside of my comfort zone.  But that’s the idea.  I make it a point to do at least one big thing that scares me every year.

I think it’s important to step out of our comfort zones, stretch our horizons, test our faith, and yes, be brave, as often as we can.  That’s when we learn, grow, find out who we really are and develop our vision of who we can be.

The fear of traveling alone isn’t the main one I’m grappling with today.  It’s only the symptom of a larger, underlying fear.  Vulnerability.  Being vulnerable; not being in control, opening myself up to ridicule or rejection, is one of my greatest fears.  And if I’m being honest, I have to admit how much it has held me back in both my personal and professional lives.

So I made a New Year’s resolution to be more open, and more vulnerable, this year.  And when Maaria asked if I was interested in blogging about my trip on Skinless I thought it was the perfect way to start.  I hope this trip and this blog will help me to grow in unexpected ways and I hope my experiences might help you along the way as well.

Cristal Thomas, MPP, is the Deputy Governor of Illinois.  Appointed by Governor Quinn in February 2011, she is responsible for overseeing implementation of the Governor’s policy agenda and advising the Governor on critical policy, budget and management issues.