Secret #1 – I used to be terrified of public speaking. When I was in my speech and debate class I would literally throw up before having to get up in front of my little class of 15-20 students. It was silly. I had grown up with these people. We knew each other well. My teacher would even sometimes hand me a trash can so that I could throw up and move on.
I remember the first time I chose to speak in front of people as an adult. I volunteered/was asked to speak at a rally at the Utah state capitol in opposition of our marriage amendment. I was becoming well known in the LGBTQ community as an activist and a leader.I typed my notes and practiced a million times. I was shaking so hard I felt so sure I would fall over from all the shaking. I wore pearls and a suit. I felt ridiculous. And then there I was telling my story and no one booed me or laughed at me and I even got some hollers and some cheers.
That was the beginning of my speaking career and guess what? I still get nervous. I still shake. I still type my notes and print them in big font.
And guess what else? I LOVE PUBLIC SPEAKING!!! I love a microphone, I love a stage, I love making people laugh and cry and cheer and applaud.
This is what I was born to do. Can you imagine how the world would be if I had stayed afraid and throwing up in a waste basket? I would have stayed small. I would have stayed invisible. I would have not been the true me.
I know taking risks can feel like the end of the world but trust me on this dear reader, it is usually the beginning of a fucking miracle.
This Friday resolve to give the thing you have been holding back on some light…follow your passion…explore your jam!
Secret #2 – I play candy crush saga when I am procrastinating. Have you been putting off signing up for my newsletter? Why ever for? Sign up today! Click here!
It’s Friday, fuck shit up y’all, Dr. Melissa Bird
P.S. Do you want to do some kick ass coaching at a SUPER reduced rate? Click here! P.P.S. Do you want to hire me to do a speech at your next event? Click here!