I’ve mentioned a few times already how anxious I was about speaking in public, but really I don’t think I touched on just how anxious I was. I was really, really nervous.
So much so that I thought about it for most of the day, every day, for weeks. Consuming anxiety/fear, whatever it was.
I thought I wouldn’t sleep the night before going down to Melbourne, but funnily enough I must have worn myself out with all the worry and I slept just fine.
I asked myself a trillion times, “Why am I doing this to myself?”
I replied to myself, “Because it’s good to grow.” {Talking to myself, all-consuming anxiety – I’m painting a pretty picture of myself, aren’t I?}.
And so I made my way to Melbourne. I’ve been to Melbourne 5 times now, and it’s always for work. So I’ve never seen much more than the drive from the airport to the City, and inside buildings. I must do something about that.
Blogging Conferences are funny things, filled with people coming out from behind their computer screens into one room. Sometimes you feel like you know someone completely because you’ve read their tales online – but you’ve never even met them. It’s a weird feeling.
I caught up with friends, met new ones, sat in awe at the amazing speakers, particularly Nicole from Planning With Kids. She knows how to address an audience. And I learnt stuff about blogging, all the while thinking about speaking the next day. Funnily enough, seeing the room, being with friends – I felt at ease, and the anxiety went away.
Thankfully I also had lovely messages from Hubby, other family and friends checking in on me.
The next day I was cool as a cucumber until about an hour beforehand when panic set in. But I chatted with friends, and managed to distract myself. I’m so lucky to have such lovely blogging friends, Danimezza sat at the back of the room so I could just look at her the whole time, Natalie sat in the front row cheering me on and Melissa smiled away, making me comfortable.
They say when you’re speaking in public, everyone wants you to do well. And they do. They did.
So after flustering my way through the first few sentences {which I can’t remember what I said, at all!} I actually loved it. I was talking about something I’m passionate about {social media + blogging}. I was kinda sad when it was over. Talk about going to extremes!
Thank you for all the super lovely comments, messages and support. I know to some it’s not a big deal, but it was a pretty big step for me… and I’m so glad that I pushed myself to do it.
I always said I’d look forward to that feeling afterwards, and it was worth it. That sense of pride and achievement was lovely… and I’m still on a bit of a high.
Now, what’s next?
How was your weekend? What did you get up to?
P.S. If you’re into blogging and want a virtual pass to the conference {so you can hear all the talks and get all the insider info} you can grab it here.
