Got fears? Try facing them!

Facing your fears

All it took was a little determination and telling myself I could do it, having a clear understanding of the worst that could happen and savoring the momentary sweetness if the possibility of the best happening…the result; I made up my mind to try.

Public speaking/ presentation, though not an unfamiliar terrain to me usually come easy after a proper and well rehearsed preparation, being called upon ‘impromptu’ is one of the few things that take me off balance. This I knew, so I avoided whatever could bring such embarrassment. I totally avoided every invitation to the ‘Toastmasters Club’!

With my mind made up to try my best to face one of my fears, I sat, expecting to be called but without a clue on what I might be asked to speak about. After three (3) guests had been invited to speak on topics ranging from ‘Tiger Woods’ Public apology & its implication’, The Haiti Earthquake and ‘a role play on a freshly sacked executive’; I could not but wonder what I would be called to speak on if ever I was called…
Just before I was through processing the thought, I heard my name...The moment had come!

I was given two (2) minutes to speak on ‘The last favor I did to a total stranger and how I felt afterward’! Needless to say I went blank as I walked to the podium, then I looked inwards, told myself I could do it and almost immediately, I recalled and experience I had while discharging my duties… the experience came back fresh as I narrated it to my audience, the next thing I saw were people nodding and clapping.
I went back to my seat feeling fulfilled. For me that was it. I had faced my fear!

Little did I know the best was yet to come as I emerged the best of the six (6) speakers, hence the speaker of the day! Needless to say I felt a deep sense of satisfaction.
…Then I thought to myself; what if I did not try?