What was I thinking? Toastmasters Edition.

My mailperson made a special delivery the other day.

 I achieved Toastmasters Level 1 mastery! As a 50 something, celebrating this accomplishment is BIG. I never realized I could be this excited and proud. I also never thought, in a million years, I would ever speak in public.

 That first day was terrifying. It took almost three months for me to speak in Toastmasters.

 You see, when I was a little girl, I stuttered. That meant-

 ?? I never shared a book report in front of the class.

?? I never read aloud when the teacher asked.

?? I never signed up for theater.

?? I never volunteered for anything related to speaking.

 I did become a good listener, though!

Because of my childhood stuttering, public speaking became my number one fear . As I matured, the stuttering did improve, however, the mindset it created was in full force throughout my adult life. I always felt different, not good enough, and never went for that job or promotion because it meant I would need to speak in front of people. 

Joining Toastmasters about a year ago has changed my life. Today, people cannot shut me up!

I learned that being uncomfortable helped me grow and work through this fear.

So, get out there and do something you thought you could never do. It will change your life for the better.  

#toastmasters #publicspeaking #fears #wwsd #coffeewithkelly #ichoosedory #newme