Liana and I have been working together through our local expat group this school year. At the December meeting when she tried to hand me the microphone I just about broke my leg as I stood in high heels, trying to get away from her. Later on that day when I got home I asked myself what happened? I spent most of high school on a stage and then all of university making public presentations. When did I become a nervous public speaker?
But like so many things in life . . . it slipped away. I had no reason to speak in public during my life abroad. In fact the last time I spoke publicly was our wedding over thirteen years ago. Had that much time really passed? Yes.
So when we came up with the idea of doing ice breakers for the welcome back meeting in February and the life coach that we hoped would facilitate us couldn't make it, I stepped up. I researched and made a plan. I wrote my speech. I fretted for a week and went to bed full of nerves the night before. The next day I went to the meeting very early to set up the room.
And then as the meeting started to unfold something happened. Liana did her speech and turned it over to me. I was fine. I didn't even use my notes. I led fifty people in three team building exercises. It was like riding a bike. I'm so thankful that I did it. It's such a weight off my shoulders.
This year I want to continue to challenge myself whether that is tackling the new or re-introducing the forgotten. What a gift! ✿ Micheline
