We all have that ONE thing that terrifies us. That ONE thing we have avoided at all costs most of our lives. That same ONE thing that keeps us from leveling up.

For me, it has been public speaking.

I always knew I hated it and I noticed I avoided it but it is only in hindsight that I see how much I could have grown over the years had I just did it more often. Don’t get me wrong, I could speak my mind (sometimes) around a conference table or in a lunch room full of people around cake (cake, duh!) but up on a podium, stage, in front of the room, commanding the undivided attention of all? Different story.

Maybe the reason WHY I was put in the position to speak in the past was not one that was important enough to me. (Granted I wasn’t exactly giddy about my previous career path, nor I did I view speaking at the PTA meeting as a learning experience). As I said, hindsight. 🤷🏻‍♀️

But then you grow up (a little). And your life takes a turn (or four). And you find something that you feel passionate about because it CHANGED. YOUR. LIFE.

I didn’t have much time to really process it all but I knew that it was part of my New Year GOALS to get outside my comfort zone and grow. This was a sign and an opportunity that I couldn’t turn away just because it made me want to puke.

So long story short…. 👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼👉🏼

I had an exciting afternoon speaking to and with the amazing women of The Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce about nutrition, wellness, fitness and healthy lifestyle.

The biggest takeaway for me was that although it is difficult to share your story, there is always someone who can relate and draw positives from your experience.

I grew a little that day and I am another step in the right direction of my personal growth goals for 2019. I mean, check out the promotional flyer! You know I turned all shades of green when I saw it, right?

I studied, prepared, created notes, slides, printed materials, business cards and woke up from panicked nightmares MANY times.

But each time that happened, I talked to myself the way I talk to my kids…”what’s the worse thing that can happen?” Putting things into perspective leveled me out and ultimately, I walked in there pretty cool and collected (on the outside) AND I didn’t even need my notes.

I spoke from my heart. The very passion that put me on that panel is what carried me through.

The panel discussion was lively and informative and covered many aspects of living a healthy lifestyle. There were many topics that were touched upon that was relatable to so many women in the room. It was a great day of sharing!

I am SO glad that I did not turn this opportunity away! I think it went really well though I cringe with watching the clips taken of me! You HAVE to take that leap or you will NEVER get to the other side, take it from me! Get out of your comfort zone and DO those hard things!

Photos and videos along with an interview done at the end of the event will be sent to me so I will be sure to post them when I get them. You can be the judge on how it turned out!

Powerful in pink and purple,

Valerie