February has always been a meaningful month for me. There have been so many firsts and major events.
Last night at Forest City Toastmasters (F.C.T.) I gave my last speech to my club. It was the first time I had stepped away from the lectern. It was also a brand-new lectern!!!
It was not only my farewell speech but also the completion of my Visionary Pathway which I have been working on for years. Without the support of my friends at my club I would not have been able to give a 22-minute speech.
I had invited members I had met over the years to be there to support me. What a gift to see these friends again.
I had two people videotape it for me. (If you wish to see it there will be a link at the bottom)
Yes, there were things I would change, but on the whole, I am so proud of my progress. I began 10 years ago shaking at the front of the room to last night when I stepped away from all notes and moved around the room.
I never thought that I could speak in public, but did last November to the Curling Club at Highland Country Club talking about my favourite place Wellspring. I offer Reiki there to members with cancer. Who knew that speaking could be fun? I know I never did. I was always terrified to speak in front of anyone!
If you have wanted to try something new but were afraid…do it anyway! The rewards are endless. What do you have to lose? You may gain so much that you won’t even recognize who you have become. Your confidence will blossom. New friends will abound. There are so many rewards in taking that first step. Take a deep breath and go for it! I will be rooting for you!
I know that I will keep in touch with so many of my friends at F.C.T. A few of us go to the Hyland Theatre to catch up on new and older movies. There is always swimming and eating at G. T’s in the summer at Port Stanley.
As you know family is important to me. Shea and the girls are coming next weekend for a visit. They will wear Bella (our Chorkie) out for us! The love of family and the two Grandchildren warms our hearts.
Tonight I will be with my 3 other friends for dinner and cards. We do this monthly and have for years. We alternate places and who will bring dessert or salad to augment the main meal. Friendship to me is so important. It enriches our lives. It provides support when we need it. Where indeed would we be without friends?
My nursing classmate just had a crisis with her son, who ultimately succumbed. We have all rallied around her during this time. I can’t even imagine being on your own at these moments.
Cherish your friends! Tell them often that you care about them. Be there to support them when you can. Just a hug and quiet can suffice. Life is so precious. Don’t be afraid to live it fully.
Thank you for always being there for me on my blogs. Your comments mean the world to me. I am sending a virtual hug to each and every one of you.
Sue
Click here or on the image below to enjoy my last Forest City Toastmasters speech.
