May 10, 2011

I usually start my posts in the morning and finish them in the evening. Today, was a bit different.  I had the opportunity speak today at a Women's Luncheon at one of the local shops.  The topic was one I know intimately . . . a little about me, a lot about my shop and then a little about tea.  But let me tell, I was sooooo nervous.

I made it through my 15 minutes or so; but it was a tough 15 minutes. I took a speech class in college and one of the things the professor kept saying was that you should speak about what you know. Makes sense right? If you speak about the things you know then maybe you wont be so nervous . . . yeah right. I will admit, however, that it does help you stay on track so you aren't worried about messing up your lines.  Still glad I had the note cards for reference. I made it through though; I guess I'm ready for the next time I have to speak in front of people; let's all hope it is about a subject I know and love.

When I was looking for quotes to post this morning I was hoping to find something about speaking in public, nervousness or anxiety, but none of those seemed to fit what I was looking for.  Then I decided to look at the speaking thing as an opportunity; an opportunity to grow, an opportunity to share, an opportunity to face some fear, and opportunity to learn.

Quotes

We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

What kind of person would live where there is no daring? I don't believe in taking foolish chances, but nothing can be accomplished without taking any chance at all. ~ Charles Lindbergh

You could wait for the world to invite you to the banquet and the ball. Or you could just show up in your red dress and your headdress ready to boogie. ~ Tama Kieves

Blog Posts

How to Let Go of Fear to Live Passionately and Authentically ~   “If we are not fully ourselves, truly in the present moment, we miss everything.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh