As I worked with Judy, my client, this week it was an absolute pleasure to see how she gave herself the wonderful gift of transformation and insight.
Together, we worked on her talk in preparation for a network event she had been asked to speak at. As she stood, I could see she was preparing herself using the Ultimate BRAVE Speaker techniques I had taught her.
Her prepared talk was flawless in structure and content. Her voice was clear with good pitch and variety. Judy was doing so well, however, we both knew, that it needed something more.
As we explored this together, it was one of those Aha moments for her. It was too perfect! Her talk was so well structured and learned, it had lost its playfulness. So intent on getting it right, she had forgotten to feel into her story and allow it and herself to breathe.
Anne Lamott, renowned author and National bestseller, explains how perfectionism will block your inventiveness, playfulness and life force thereby cramping your writing and speaking creations. “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor, the enemy of the people. It will keep you cramped and insane your whole life. I think perfectionism is based on the obsessive belief that if you run carefully enough, hitting each stepping-stone just right, you won’t have to die.
Perfectionism means that you try desperately not to leave so much mess to clean up. But clutter and mess show us that life is being lived. Clutter is wonderfully fertile ground – you can still discover new treasures under all those piles, clean things up, edit things out, fix things, get a grip. Tidiness suggests something is as good as it’s going to get. Tidiness makes me think of held breath, of suspended animation, while writing needs to breathe and move.”
With new revelation, Judy told her story again. This time without her notes and spoke directly from her heart. It struck me, as I listened to her, how much more depth her story had as she shared her message. As she spoke, her eyes watered slightly, her skin tone changed and she glowed. Her words flowed with deep meaning and passion.
Judy told me later that after she had shared her story at the network event, many people hugged her and told her that she had given them the gift of insight, encouragement and courage.
What may be stopping You sharing Your special stories and experiences?
What stories and experience are in Your heart that are begging to be heard?
What is one step You could make right now that would allow You to step into Your heart and share Your story?
“A man would do nothing if he waited until he could do it so well that no one could find fault.”
John Henry Newman
When is the right time to give and share Your unique piece of magic?
Here’s to Your freedom of expression as You speak from Your heart and share Your message!