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EDITORIAL Publisher

Are You Committed? Phyllis Harmon, DTM

by Phyllis A. Harmon, DTM Associate Publisher
Immediate Past District Governor
Brenda Parsons, ACB, ALS
I was recently told that “Commitment” was a stuffy, old
fashioned word– a bludgeoning concept rife with responsibility, Senior Editor
obligation, and a life of mind-numbing tedium. Not at all in
keeping with our fast-paced, modern society! Phyllis Harmon, DTM

Well, maybe. But consider the 2005 definition of commit- Associate Editors
ment provided by Ashbash on urbandictionary.com:
Commitment is what transforms the promise into reality. It is the Leanna Lindquist, DTM
words that speak boldly of your intentions, and the actions which Erik Bergman, DTM
speak louder than the words. It is making the time when there is
none. Coming through—time after time after time, year after year Layout/Design
after year. Commitment is the stuff character is made of; the power
to change the face of things. It is the daily triumph of integrity over Phyllis Harmon, DTM
skepticism. Curtis Low

Ashbash’s definition resonates in my bones. The phrase 2015-16 Officers
coming through—time after time after time, year after year after year
holds me fiercely in its grasp. I firmly believe that commitment District Director
means never giving up when the going gets rough, even when
the desired results look out of reach. It’s facing the twin fires Michelle Alba Lim, DTM
of fear and doubt, and having the courage to move forward
anyway. It means forging your own path instead of traveling Program Quality Director
the safer road paved by public opinion. It means committing
to being a work in progress. Leanna Lindquist, DTM

How courageous are you? Did you face your fears this Club Growth Director
year, and do something outside your comfort zone? Did you
step up when asked, and challenge yourself to be the best you Erik Bergman, DTM
could be? Did you strive, grow, and reach for the stars? Were
you successful? Did you celebrate your successes with friends Finance Manager
as loudly as you could? Did you learn from your disappoint-
ments—become stronger through the refining fires of adversity Jill Ward, ACB, ALB
and public opinion?
Administrative Manager
As the Toastmasters year draws to a close, are you committed
to continuing your journey towards becoming the person Tom Knapp, ACG, ALB
you were meant to be—to being a work in progress? Are you
committed to leaping boldly into the coming year geared with Public Relations Manager
the knowledge that you can and will beat back the twin fires of
fear and doubt? Knowing that whatever challenges you face— Becky Holm
and there will be many—you will prevail and grow stronger
because you persevered? Are you ready? It’s time. Your future Voices! is published monthly by
awaits. District 7 Toastmasters. First issue
published August 2014. Submit
Be Extraordinary! articles via email at voices@
d7toastmasters.org

4 Volume 2 Issue 12 - JUNE 2016