Old Traditions, New Beginnings: Being Our Best – It’s Never Too Late

Barbara with her grandchildren Ivy, Zoey and Marley. Photo supplied Ossining resident Barbara Williams grew up in Illinois. A shy middle child with two older brothers and a younger sister, she clung to her mother’s skirt in social situations. On the first day of second grade, her separation anxiety forced her mother to stay in class with her rather than her outgoing younger sister.   Through the years, Barbara became more self-confident and comfortable in social situations after her popular brother, who was close to her age, included her in his activities. She slowly emerged from her shell and made friends. She went on to become a registered nurse and volunteered with the Red Cross.   One of her passions has been reading self-improvement books, and she told River Journal, “We should never stop becoming the best version of ourselves, a concept developed by Matthew Kelly, an internationally acclaimed author, speaker, innovator, and spiritual leader.” In her quest to become the best she c