I hate feeling nervous. It is very uncomfortable.

One of the reasons I stopped running in road races is because I would be so nervous before the race. Even though it would be fabulous after I finished the race, There was a part of me that  thought  why am I doing this?  So, I quit.

In the past ten – twelve years, I have started to push myself to do more. It can be very boring not to challenge yourself. Part of me wants to be a shining star. I still get nervous and don’t like it much, but I know if I want to improve, I must put myself in positions that are uncomfortable.

I do not like public speaking. I do my best to avoid it. A friend told me to join Toastmasters because I said “SO” too many times in my videos. Who knew? She said I would be so much more effective without filler words. It is amazing how I now hear the filler words, “um”, “ah”, “you know” and “so” when others speak.

I joined Toastmasters last year. I would go but avoided doing the work. I would go to meetings and hope I wouldn’t get called on to speak. What is the point of that?

We meet every Monday and every week I want to quit. As with my road racing, after the meeting, I am usually happy that I went. Toastmasters pushes me out of my comfort zone, but it is in a controlled setting. Everyone is supportive, and they clap after you speak, Good or Bad. So, I have committed to step it up and give speeches.

Yesterday, I gave my second speech and it went well.  Of course, I had everyone get up and do a few exercises.

What are you doing to make yourself uncomfortable? Are you pushing yourself to learn and to become more? I am! I have started running again too.

It is never too late!

Love,

Mary