I can't seem to settle tonight - tired as can be, and really need to hit the sack...but struggling to get there. Really blocked with writing this speech - not because I cant do it, but because I have the memory of listening to an installation speech way back at the first conference I ever attended, and being so awed by the speech and the position of the person delivering it. To me, this was something to aspire to - something I never believed back then, that I could expect to be able to do. Yet, here I am, less than 10 years since first attending our conference and seeing a Region President installed and tomorrow, I am to be installed as Region President.
I know I am capable of doing this - yes, that is how far I have come - back then, I was playing the 'fake it til you make it' game. I may have looked like I was confident to the outside world, but in reality, I was anything but!
Ten years of life later, I've had the kind of growth most people take 30 years to accomplish, thanks to the support and encouragement of a group of incredible people. My 'other family' who have lifted me up and helped me to expand my horizons far beyond anything I ever imagined possible. These fabulous folks are the members of POWERtalk International - a not for profit organisation who provide training in public speaking and leadership skills. Through their training and evaluation, I have learnt an enormous amount and grown in confidence and competence. My horizons have expanded to a point where I honestly feel the possibilities are limitless... AND achievable!
Don't misunderstand - I'm nervous! But now, the nerves aren't holding me back. Instead they are serving a purpose. They remind me to remain accountable, to ensure I put in the hours required in order to serve this term with purpose and integrity - to inspire others to realise their potential too!
I hope that in doing so, I will inspire other members to expand their horizons, and move forward as I have, growing in capability, capacity and confidence.
