Feel the fear and do it anyway

On Tuesday night I caught up with my Toastmasters group. Still on a high from the success of the newly formed club on TI, I was eager to attend a meeting and catch up with my Toastie friends. The club is growing week by week and Tuesday night was no different - we enjoyed the company of 3 guests and we signed up a new member. Riverside rocks!   

The club's president is the effervescant Lisa and she is aided and abetted by a very capable committee - Lea, Sheryl, Kelli and Scott. Everyone benefits from Toastmasters, that's a given, but when you see for yourself the growth and development of one individual - you're left in awe.

Kelli joined Riverside about 3 years ago, shy and terrified of public speaking. But this amazing woman never held back and very soon began taking an active part in the meetings, nominating for roles and volunteering for extra duties.

As a result, for the past few years she has successfully run the Youth Leadership Program at our local girls' high school. She is assisted by other Toastmasters who, over the weeks of the program, present Educationals/tutorials to the girls on the various aspects of public speaking.

On Tuesday night she stood in front of us - confident, articulate - to explain the duties of a club secretary. It's nomination time, and the club is getting ready to elect a new committee. Secretary one year, president the next Kelli? Well the position is still open ......

Kelli is an inspiration. She's conquered her fear by taking the bull by the horns and the other night she shone. And, as with anyone embarking on a self development journey, she was supported and encouraged by the other club members. At Riverside you are never alone.

When we move out of our comfort zone - well, life just gets better.