Can I?

I've always loved challenges. I did not realize this in my childhood as I suffered with anxiety to the point that I would often become physically sick with abdominal pains that would lead to diarrhea or vomiting. However, I would experience feelings of euphoria and accomplishment when I would achieve what at first seem extremely hard if not impossible. As I matured, picturing a goal and then pursuing it became an undeniable quintessential facet of my being. Especially when faced with naysayers and the negativity that they would project in making statements like, "How are you going to do that?" Or "I wish you LUCK with that!" In fact, when I started to talk about possibly getting a Ph.D., with the exception of my parents and a few friends, many did say, "Why would you do that?" Ironically, as much distress it creates taking myself out of my comfort zone, it generates intoxication. This pursuit was going to provide that very opportunity of pushing and challenging myself harder that I have ever pushed and challenged myself before! The question, "Can I?" That at first started as a whispe