The stage changed me. LOH CONTEST #260

Hello amazing LOH. I trust we're doing great?

I really appreciate @merit.ahama for this amazing topic, I couldn't resist answering this, and as always I'm happy to do it.

Let me take you down through this life changing experience.

There was a time in my life that I couldn't stand or speak in front of people without my heart racing. Public speaking was something I always avoided with all my strength l. Whenever I was called to address it stand before a group no matter how small the group was, my palms would sweat, my voice will tremble, and you'll see me searching for words, because they'll suddenly vanish. At a point I just convinced myself that I was made for that.

Then there came a time, I think my days of self-doubt was over. I vividly remember that I had two or more experiences that changed me in highschool.They were more like turning points for me.

First, my teacher nominated me to represent my class in a debate competition all because I performed best in the previous English exam. My first reaction was to say NO, I tried to come up with a lot of excuses, but she insisted because she saw something in me that I couldn't see in myself.

I remember standing backstage on the day of debate, I had prepared myself very well for the d-day. I held my book so tight, at a point I felt like running away, my heart raced faster that I could hear.

Not too long I heard my name being called. I froze, with my feet trembling. I wanted to give up, I haven't done this before. At that point alot of questions went through my mind which I couldn't answer any, but then something in me whispered "you've prepared for this, just breathe and speak"

I just took a deep breath and walked to the stage. The first few seconds was something else, I shaked, but as I continued, I found my rhythm. The next moment, the audience started nodding, clapping and smiling, and that gave me a lot of courage to continue. By the time I finished, I received a clapping ovation. I couldn't believe it at this point.

Then shortly after this time I was appointed the head girl. I had no other choice than to work towards changing this part of me because I was always speaking to my fellow student.

These experiences changed me completely. It made me realise that self-doubt only wins whey you allow it to. From then on, I started saying yes to opportunities instead running from them.

This experience made me believe in myself and know that I can achieve whatever in as much I commit myself to it.

Since then I've never doubted myself when it comes to public speaking, I found me and my rhythm.

#### Shalom