The other day, I faced one of my biggest fears, public speaking.

I taught a class to roughly 60 people.

Now, mind you, I was very excited about doing this. I signed up for it, I looked forward to it. But I was still sooo nervous about it. I love to teach! And I’m passionate about the topic. But I was scared shitless too!

I had pondered and went back and forth about it for 6 months actually. At first, I was too afraid to speak in front of so many people, so I declined.

I was so mad at myself for not having the guts to do something I really wanted to do. 

I was the person in school who hated to speak in front of everyone. I would get so nervous and red and blotchy, my hands tremoring and my face turning red. I’m sure public speaking is a common phobia out there, right? Mine even carried over into adulthood. I’m still uncomfortable speaking even in small groups of people sometimes. I guess it depends on the crowd, and depends on my mood. (Click here for more on this topic.) Sometimes I feel like I have to be brave to just get up in the morning and do my job.

Anyway, once that first day came and I got it over with, it felt exhilarating!!!

I was feeling on top of the world the rest of the day! I was so proud of myself for facing my fears!! I didn’t pass out, I didn’t freeze up, I didn’t get all sweaty and tachycardic. People actually said I did good and seemed calm and confident!

We have to celebrate our little victories in life, right? We all have our anxieties.

I also had amazing family members and co workers who supported me and encouraged me through it. I can’t stress enough how important encouragement and support for each other really is. I very much appreciate everyone’s patience in my life who builds me up (as many times as I need to hear it) even when I over analyze and second guess myself to the point of annoyance. I am constantly seeking an external source of validation. That is where I am at in life right now, and I am actively working to not need that stuff so much. But for now, I appreciate it. (You people know who you are, and I am grateful for you!)

How do you get to a place in life where you don’t need someone to tell you you’re doing a good job? Seriously.

I want to encourage all of you to go out there and do something you’re afraid of doing. It will feel great once you get it over with and it will boost your confidence! We will not know what we are fully capable of in this life unless we push ourselves outside our comfort zone. We have no reason not to, do we?

Be fearless today!

Peace and Love, Leah