If you told me when I was struggling through speech class in high school or giving terrible presentations at university that one day I'd regularly be giving presentations in front of people, I'd think you were mad.
Writing rituals and performing them for friends and strangers was definitely not in my future in those days. I'd rather be hidden in the crowd! Other than my dyslexia, I was a terrified and anxious mess when it came to public speaking, using microphones, and giving presentations. Absolutely hated it. Yet anxiety always made me have to be the first person up, just to get it out of the way.
Now look at me. I don't know how I did it, I just wanted to be involved in my communities, and often times performing rituals are needed, whether you're a part or the lead. Every time it's scary and yes, I mess up whether I'm using a script, notecards, or nothing at all. But I push through the fears and the what ifs, and I learn from every presentation. I study, take workshops, and practice to improve these skills and work through the anxiety.
It's just wild to me. I gotta thank past mentors and teachers, friends and supporters. There was one event a few years ago, at a park. I believe it was Seamus--owner of The Magical Druid--who was walking around and asking for volunteers to call the directions for a ritual. I took the leap. I was a hot anxious mess, but I still did it. It really helped to boost my confidence. I may not know much about certain historical artists or world wars, but spiritual things are something that I do know and am very passionate about. I hope I'm helping to inspire others to get outside of their comfort zones, too, just as I was. Take a leap of faith in themselves, and give it a try. You never know, you may end up liking the thing that scares the crap out of you.
Writing rituals and performing them for friends and strangers was definitely not in my future in those days. I'd rather be hidden in the crowd! Other than my dyslexia, I was a terrified and anxious mess when it came to public speaking, using microphones, and giving presentations. Absolutely hated it. Yet anxiety always made me have to be the first person up, just to get it out of the way.
Now look at me. I don't know how I did it, I just wanted to be involved in my communities, and often times performing rituals are needed, whether you're a part or the lead. Every time it's scary and yes, I mess up whether I'm using a script, notecards, or nothing at all. But I push through the fears and the what ifs, and I learn from every presentation. I study, take workshops, and practice to improve these skills and work through the anxiety.
It's just wild to me. I gotta thank past mentors and teachers, friends and supporters. There was one event a few years ago, at a park. I believe it was Seamus--owner of The Magical Druid--who was walking around and asking for volunteers to call the directions for a ritual. I took the leap. I was a hot anxious mess, but I still did it. It really helped to boost my confidence. I may not know much about certain historical artists or world wars, but spiritual things are something that I do know and am very passionate about. I hope I'm helping to inspire others to get outside of their comfort zones, too, just as I was. Take a leap of faith in themselves, and give it a try. You never know, you may end up liking the thing that scares the crap out of you.
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