Languages and Risks

Kia Ora!
For those of you from around the globe, that last thing is Maori for hello. Presumably (or maybe not so presumably) you know that I come from New Zealand. And one of the official languages in New Zealand is Maori. The Maori are the indigenous peoples of New Zealand, and I think they are pretty cool.
But one of the other official languages of New Zealand is New Zealand Sign Language, or NZSL. With Maori, most people make some sort of effort to be able to pronounce Maori names and to understand Maori customs. But very few of us actually acknowledge that sign language is just that - a language. It has its own intricacies and idioms, but very few of us in the hearing world ever bother to learn it.
I know, I know, I haven't learnt it either (even though I want to). I have't even made the effort to go looking for where I could learn it and also to engage with non-hearers.
But don't we all do that? Don't we, who fit into the 'norm', just ignore all else who do not fit into the same category? Ever wanted to break free of the restraints of the norm? I know I have. And sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't.
But it is only ever ourselves who hold us back. It is only our minds that persuade us to do it, or to not do it. We cannot blame busyness, or our parents, or anyone.
Today I started at my new school for practicum. It was a good day, and I can see that I will be stretched and taken to the limit at times. But you know what? I am ready. Let's take a leap, do something different. This time around I can take risks, when it is my class, will I be so willing? I don't know.
But this is my challenge to you: Take a risk, get out of the norm. Wear odd socks! Be a bit of a rebel.
Then:
Tell me about it. I'd love to hear your stories!