Page 26 - Voices Feb 2018

PATHWAYS

Embracing

Change

James Wantz, DTM

D7 Public Relations Manager

I don’t like change—and Pathways is all about bathrobe, and PJs—in fact my home club had a
change! pajama meeting so I was able to be completely
When Pathways rolled out I discovered comfortable that day! I like comfort—the world

immediate roadblocks. Roadblocks such as insists on tossing discomfort at me. I want
navigational issues on the website, unfamiliarity Toastmasters to be that comfort zone where I
with the terrain, and just plain old stubbornness am certain I know what is going on, know how to
about getting out of my comfort zone. At one handle it, and don’t get challenged much at all!

point I even considered avoiding Pathways, That was my attitude last year when I first
working the traditional educational system for began to contemplate Pathways. Yep, that
two years, and then going my own way once radiant burst of energy simply poofed. The
the Competent Communicator and Competent energy and excitement of Toastmasters was

Leader manuals were no longer available. gone. It had become my refuge from the world.
“Fine!” I said, “They want to take away my The one place I could go to escape the demands
program! I’ll show them! I’ll walkout—in two of change, technology, and social networking.
years!” The everyday stress in my life was not going to

But why was I so negative toward the make room for one more stressor—Pathways
new educational system from Toastmasters?
Well, because it’s new! I don’t like change. I
want things to be manageable, predictable,

comfortable, and old.
I joined Toastmasters in 2008
in a radiant burst of energy about
doing something new in my life,

trying a new skill, and breaking the
mold of my old self. Now Toastmasters
is as comfortable as my favorite slippers,

26 ONE COMMUNITY