Once upon a time there was a little boy who hated to color. He could not stay within the lines. His coloring books were masterpieces of chaos, despite his efforts to be meticulous. When his kindergarten teacher announced it was time to color, the entire class erupted in cheers, but the little boy sat silently, a wave of anxiety coursing through him. As the teacher unveiled shoeboxes filled with crayons, the other children eagerly grabbed their favorite colors, while he hesitated, taking his time before reluctantly engaging in the task
“Stay within the lines,” his teachers would advise. “Slow down, take your time.” Yet their words had little effect, and the sweat would bead on his brow as he tried to color a butterfly or a clown’s polka-dotted bowtie, only to find his hand uncontrollably straying beyond the outlines. It felt as if an unseen force guided his hand, propelling the burnt sienna or aquamarine crayon well beyond the boundaries. He envied his classmates’ artworks, proudly displayed on the classroom wall, and often wondered, “How do they do it? Why can’t I stay within the lines?” Throughout elementary school, coloring became a source of anxiety. Gifts of crayons and coloring books from well-meaning family members only intensified his panic. What should have been a delightful escape from the travails of kid-hood morphed into a stress-inducing task. Deep down, he understood it wasn’t of utmost importance, yet it felt monumental to him. Perfection eluded him, and he loathed coloring.
Of course, that little boy was me. As I grew older, I confronted my anxiety and acknowledged my creativity. I embraced various artistic pursuits, including acting, voiceover work, writing, filmmaking, and music. My confidence blossomed both personally and creatively, yet I shunned traditional artistic mediums, the haunting memories of my Crayola calamities never far from the forefront of my brain.
After graduating college with a degree in writing and filmmaking, I unexpectedly dove into education, working with at-risk youth. This was a truly amazing, rewarding, and life-changing experience, that eventually transitioned into working in mental health. Although this path was unplanned, my passion swiftly ignited, undoubtedly influenced by my personal experiences and a legacy of mental health conditions within my family. In my early thirties, I founded a company to provide mental health coaching, consulting, and mentoring for teens and adults grappling with their own challenges. I recognized a significant gap in our mental health care system, a need for more meaningful support beyond medication and therapy — guidance that helped individuals live independently and pursue their goals. This venture started as a personal passion, allowing me to work on my terms while impacting the lives of others. Over two decades, my modest initiative has flourished into a multi-city coaching organization, complemented by a non-profit branch offering free mental health services. Most importantly, we have empowered countless individuals to achieve their aspirations. What began as a job has transformed into a profound calling and vocation.
Not that long ago, I unwrapped a birthday gift from my wife, only to find a paint-by-numbers kit. A pit formed in my stomach, anxiety resurfaced, and I felt the familiar tingle of dread. My wife noticed my anguished expression and I confessed my fears: “I can’t do this. I can’t stay within the lines.” With her characteristic grace, she simply replied, “You don’t have to stay within the lines.” In that moment, my half-century of anxiety began to unravel. My wonderful wife had unintentionally liberated me from my self-imposed limitations, revealing that I had always lived outside the lines. I have always prided myself on thinking differently, challenging norms, and a rebellious spirit. Embracing this revelation allowed me to explore painting freely, and I now find joy in moving colors across the canvas without the constraint of boundaries.
In my professional life, my company embodies the philosophy of coloring outside the lines. We strive to offer unconventional solutions and individualized support for our clients, which has become our distinguishing hallmark. Though it took me years to reach this understanding, and a simple yet profound insight from my wife, I transformed what was once a source of anxiety into a powerful strength. The little boy who once recoiled from crayons has evolved into a man dedicated to personal growth, and helping others do the same. With the recognition that so many of our challenges can be transmuted into opportunities, I am driven to continuously push boundaries and redefine success to better benefit my company, my staff, and the individuals we serve.
By Adam Sholder
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