Today I’m grateful for Toastmasters.

This morning I had a bad morning. I was late leaving the house due to several unusual happenings. Traffic was a nightmare. The rain and wind completely undid me on the walk into work. I fell off the toilet (long story). And I just couldn’t lift my mood from yesterday when I was really reflecting on how much I miss Grandma. BUT: by pushing myself to go to Toastmasters at 12:05pm, my mood elevated. I felt comfortable, I found myself smiling, and I was able to just relax (while speaking in front of others no less!).

If you had told me two years ago that I would be a member of a Toastmasters group, I’d say, “You’ve gotta be freaking kidding me”. Me? Introverted, shy, hard to get to open up, me? No way. Even in college, I could quite literally go through an entire day of classes and not say a single word. I didn’t want to speak in front of everyone, especially in front of other adults who seemingly had all the answers.

Last Fall however, my work formed two Toastmasters clubs. I am well aware that speaking in front of others is not a strength and since it was provided during work hours and as professional development- I decided I’d take a leap. Besides, I’ve been working very hard at not saying “no” to opportunities that present themselves.

I’ve known a few people that have done Toastmasters. These are people that project confidence and are well spoken. So I was extremely intimidated when I first started attending the meetings. But, our group was still forming and was still in it’s infancy. That meant everyone was learning and we were all clunky together. Excellent! I strongly believe that if I had started going to any other Toastmasters clubs with different people- I may not have kept going back. But I did…

I’ve now completed seven speeches and have three more before I get my “Competent Communicator” book (even when I finish that book, there are a couple of dozen other books to complete…it’s a neverending process). I usually speak at least once per meeting. And I now carry the title of “Vice President of Education”. This is a role where I need to encourage others to keep learning and continuing participation. I feel my confidence growing and I feel my leadership skills stretched in new and wonderful ways.

I strongly encourage anyone to visit or join a Toastmasters or similar type group. It helps build confidence, it helps you learn about other people, and also is an outlet for a side of one’s self that they may not always share.

So today I’m grateful for the lessons, distraction, and opportunity provided to me by Toastmasters and my fellow members.