Today I completed Individual Worth #5. Participate in a ...speech...performance , in your community or at church, and share how that participation strengthened feelings of individual worth and self confidence.
I had the GREATEST honor ever to learn about public speaking from the master, Peter Jacobi, through Highlights. Peter shared with me that he went to Salt Lake many years ago to train several general authorities in media interviews, and he remembers and has fond feelings for "Mr. Packer." After learning from him and having my first school visit taped by Highlights and played back and critiqued by Peter and our group, I came back with gems of great spotlight wisdom. Life In the Spotlight taught me to see the lectern as a friend. I told Peter I still get nervous, and he told me nervous is natural, and good because that keeps us on our toes always striving for the best we can give.
Yesterday, I was nervous. I was one hour early this morning to Chemeketa College. As I sat at a table going everything in my head, I saw a vision that completely took away any fear. A whole long continuous line of fourth grade students walked back, some looked at me and smiled as they passed. When they congregated outside to continue the tour, I went out and asked the leaders if this was a field trip. It was indeed! They told me that many of these children came from families without higher education. These children starting from third grade go to visit colleges and schools teach them that not going to college isn't an option. They will go to college. That and the wonderful excited children smiling, pointing, beaming happy to be at a college just had my heart singing all day.
My host was wonderful and my classes enthusiastic. One mother brought her 3rd grade child and it was fun to see her laughing. (She's my writing audience.) I was surprised to learn two journalists and a photographer were present for interviews and a photo shoot, but they were very kind and not too distracting during the events themselves.
So how did this strengthen me? I think in between speaking opportunities we forget that it isn't scary but is total fun. One of the hardest things for me at an event, is when someone asks me where I got my degree. I don't have one. That gets awkward, and that's what I was nervous about--but this is the first time no one has asked. And that was sheer wonderful. They saw me, and what I had created. In the end a teacher there for Children's literature told me it was a wonderful presentation, and how they'd been talking about how some picture books aren't really appropriate for children. She told me all of mine are and how happy she was to see that.
On individual worth, I came away with a wonderful feeling of validation that my writing makes a difference to someone. My confidence with these groups soared to the roof. And when young Ruby shook my hand just beaming, I felt again there no place I'd rather than be than in this magical world. Writing is next to motherhood. And with this, my Father in Heaven has found me whole, filled with joy. I know the public side might not always be easy. I will be nervous at times, and that's okay. Once I'm there, nerves are behind and it's all just sharing with another.
"True ease comes from art not chance, as those who move easiest, have first learned to dance."
~Alexander Pope
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