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Yes, it had been a few months since my last blog post- life has been interesting but we are all ok…I will write more about that, and my Outward Bound Canada Mt Assiniboine later, but there is some big news at this end……
This year I applied to become a speaker for the TEDxSurrey 2022. I made it to the audition section.
I had a choice to go over to Surrey and do the audition it in person, or do it via zoom, I choose to do it via zoom. This decision had nothing to do with travel, it had to do with slaying a dragon- or more like teaching the dragon it can switch jobs and move on into the cheering section. As some of you know because of my childhood history, I have an issue with cameras- but I knew that this was an opportunity to deal with that issue. I also knew this would put me at a disadvantage- but it was what I needed to do.
A couple days before the audition we had a bit of a flood and 2 hours before the audition I was ripping up floor boards.
So, the time for the audition comes…. I do it- didn’t feel great about it, and then its 10 days that I wait and know it’s up to the universe and……
On Monday the 15th I wait for the email…I get it the email, I wonder “do I want to open it” ….and YES I GOT A SPEAKING SPOT !!!!!!
I was so excited that I couldn’t focus- and I had to pack as I was leaving for a week…I will tell you that I had stuff in my suitcase that I did not use lol…I think it took me 4 days before I could focus…I’m glad I was not in charge of any of the trip planning or driving.
My freind Sarah was out for a vist from Ontario and she was spending a few days in Tofino and asked me if I would like to come along, and after that a few days in Vancouver. Of course I said yes, and it was lovley to send time with her, and meet her young freind Eva- a lovley young women.
I loved walking on the beaches in Tofino, and it gave me time to think about life, my journey and everthing in between. I knew as I was going to be one of the speakers that life was about to get busy, but I had no idea how much.
On Saturday the 20th, I was in Surrey to meet everyone involved with TEDxSurrey2022 and it was beyond amazing. The people were great, we had a workshop on Humour, and another one on script structure. By the way, in my audition I did say that “I have a wicked sense of humour that is not always appreciated” so I may be a bit of a challenge for them lol- I got to know the organizers, support staff and some of the other speakers a bit better. And it has been full on since.
My day timer is full of writings and highlighted dates- the yellow for meetings, zoom coaching, phone calls etc, pink highlighter for Due dates for revised scripts and meetings….and the house is already filling up with sticky tabs for reminders……it is going to be like this for the next three months….
This is A BIG DEAL !!!!!! And I naively had no idea how BIG OF A DEAL THIS IS!!!!, and it’s probably just as well I didn’t know. If I’m honest- I had no idea what goes into producing one of these, and am still amazed at the support us speakers get, to make it the best production possible, and the make us the best speakers as possible. Seriously- where and what other time in my life would I have access to the amazing coaches and supports for the next 3 months. This really is pushing my game to another level.
I did tell the folks in my life, whom I was going to make Christmas presents- they will be lucky if they get them by Easter. And I do have a bit of an advantage because of the Outward Bound Canada courses I have been on- I know there will be times that I hit a wall or two and think I cant do this, feel overwhelmed etc….but I also know I always make it through and come out the other end a better person for it. And I do know its ok to “loose my shit” and have melt downs, its all part of the process.
As I said to friends at dinner on Monday night “I need to buckle myself into a 5-point harness because this is going to be one Hell of a ride….
I also know its important to be mindful and notice the lovely moments in life- as this will help keep me grounded in this vast new universe I am stepping into
As always, I invite you to come along with me, learn and discover this whole new world right along beside me….
With thanks and Gratitude and take care of yourselves
Suzy