Passion & Purpose Lesson: Dare to be Different

This is me cutting onions with swimming goggles because some onions are just extra mean and I don't like crying. So swimming goggles are a perfect solution to my problem. My daughter's friends found it hilarious. Hence the picture. I do certain things differently. People who know me might have heard my hick-up, which is also very different - and so is my speaking style.

Here is a picture of me speaking BAREFOOT at the Global Speakers Summit in Swakopmund earlier this year. Even my audience was barefoot.

It's ok to be different. It's ok to be yourself. 

Beginning of last year, I was asked to give a speech at a conference of the Professional Speakers Association of Namibia. The overall topic of the conference was "Ignite". My speech title was "Ignite yourself and set the world on fire" and I spoke about passion and purpose. It was the first time that I dared to be my authentic, arty-farty self on stage. I coined my unique speaking style that day, using stagecraft, costumes, props and engaging the audience. I was nervous because I didn't know how it would be received. My audience loved it.

Being different with confidence makes all the difference. It allows you to stand out, to be yourself, to be authentic. But most importantly, it allows you to walk in your truth.

Just do it. Dare to be YOU.