
It was a beautiful Tuesday morning when I opened my eyes to welcome a new, early April, day. Nothing was indicating that it will become a day of huge transformation. I had no plan. I just had a spontaneous thought, that it’s time I became a speaker. I knew for a while that I was being directed towards this path, but avoided making any steps in the direction of speaking. I played a safe-zone game — “I don’t know where to start,” “I don’t know how to do it…,” “I don’t have time…'” etc. I am sure, you could add a few more lines to this list.
That morning I was almost jolted by the voice, “Toastmasters!”
“Okaaaay…” I thought, and dragged my half-awake body to the computer to check on the local Toastmasters clubs. To tell you the truth, I’ve done that before several times. I even went to the meetings; twice, at two different clubs. My rate of going was once per year, hardly a serious attempt to become a speaker. This time something was different. I felt ready and committed! I now had a clear vision: “I am a speaker! I am a world class speaker!”
Google search showed a few results for my zip code, but only one on Tuesday afternoon. It was near my house, and I had just enough time to get ready and go check it out!
Now, a little disclosure and a side-note. Some of you know that I used to coach figure skating. Many of us, in skating and sports, are a little superstitious. I am not superstitious, but if there are signs, I follow 😉
Let me tell you about my little weakness: Tesla. A year ago in a “create-your-perfect-vision” game I saw it! — I am speaking around the world and driving Tesla. You may wonder why I am talking about Tesla. Tesla is my omen. If I see Tesla when I go somewhere, I believe something important will happen. That Tuesday morning I was escorted by Tesla behind me and lead by the one in front of me. That day I had a “convoy” of Teslas taking me to the Toastmasters Club 219. Coincidence? Sure! However, I have never before been escorted like this! I took it as a request from the Universe: “Join NOW! It’s time!”
It’s been six months since that Tuesday April morning, and I am near a completion of my Competent Speaker certificate. I’ve been practicing relentlessly every single day! I’ve created many speaking opportunities for myself, took classes and attended workshops, and have been invited to speak at a few events. It was (is) most humbling to be recognized and supported by my fellow club members. Perhaps, people feel and connect to the passion I hold in my heart. I have a purpose! My life has a meaning! I LOVE what I do! I am contributing to the World as well as I can. Today, Toastmaster, an official magazine for Toastmasters International published a Member Moment about me and a couple of pearls of wisdom I could share with the world. Almost a whole page! Of course, I knew it was coming, just like I knew that one day my book, freshly printed, will arrive by my door. However, I must attest, anticipation and real experience are not the same thing! It was breathtaking!
I had no idea that there are 313,000 Toastmaster members in 126 countries around the globe, and I was chosen for a spotlight! Wow! Surprised? Not completely!
I coach my clients the power of living as a world-class citizen. That Tuesday morning I have decided that I am a world-class speaker. Being a world-class speaker comes with certain practices and responsibilities. Being a “world-class” isn’t about fame, success and money. It’s about discipline, commitment and inspiration. It’s about responsibility. Not one soul, except for you, knows that you are a “world-class.” However, I teach my clients, and I firmly believe this! one day you are bound to be recognized by the world as a world-class, if you consistently live as one. It cannot be any other way! I am very happy that this article has been published, and more people will become aware of the message I intend to share with the world. I am happy that I can tell my students and clients, “Look! Don’t worry about making it, or not making it! Focus on living as a world-class self one day at a time, fully-enjoying it! The day will come when the World will recognize you!” And just like that, Toastmasters International publishes this article as an affirmation to my beliefs, teachings, and a way of life….
If you click the link below you will be directed to the article. If you are interested to learn more about world-class living, and how you could step into Unstoppable YOU, check out the event page for the next event I hold. To see me in action–speaking, click here.
http://cdn.coverstand.com/15581/225575/3f2bfafaf2f12d8c7ba5c5df4b6c691ec64a7a5f.7.pdf
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