Page 13 - voices November

synergistic. It starts by “believing in ourselves”. can inspire others on their journey and those
Taking on roles allows us members to grow taking their first steps.
in ways we don’t even realize. I remember a “There’s more to it than just a greeting” . . .
member of another club who was terrified to be We can look at the world as a place of

a Toastmaster. I remember saying, think about appreciation or depreciation. How we greet each
it as being an emcee of an event. It’s a wonderful other, the atmosphere of letting our lights shine,
way to practice. That is how we become more brightens each soul in a meeting. Sometimes after
comfortable. a hectic day, a boss giving you fits, the kid in the

principal’s office, the challenge of changing our
Area Level and Beyond—From a Club thoughts and focusing on the moment can be
Member to Becoming a District Officer daunting. Slighting, missing the opportunity to
Growth happens with discomfort, look uplift others, can depreciate our club. Greeting

forward to it! The greatest growth happens members and “honored guests” with heartfelt
when we think we are not growing. The struggle appreciation gives everyone, including ourselves,
to go through the steps we take in Toastmasters, a lift for at least an hour in a world that can be
stretches us to the point we become more than filled with negativity. A smile, a nod, a wink,

we imagine. reminds the speaker reading the crowd that:
Stepping into the role of Area Director was “It is OK, it is safe, and you at the lectern are a
one of the best decisions I made, and it was all courageous being!”
happenstance. I tell people that becoming anArea The cookies are burning, the smoke alarm is

Director was the best role I ever had. It allowed going off—In the spirit of Thanksgiving I wish
me to visit clubs and meet members I wouldn’t to thank you all for being there for me, lifting
have otherwise met. How grateful I am for all and encouraging my journey, teaching me so
of the new friends I have made. many lessons. I thank you all for showing up,

Toastmasters is like the people on the Lewis bringing on the evaluations, feedback, the laughs,
and Clark trail who struggled on their journey. the fun of this wonderful journey of being a
They told us the stories, they gave us the “Toastmaster”.
inspiration. Our own journey in Toastmasters

VOICES! |NOVEMBER 2018 13