Dreams to Live By
Many years ago I belonged to Toastmasters. I joined them with the express purpose of overcoming crippling insecurities. My timidity in front of crowds or strangers was turning ordinary
situations into major struggles for me. I knew I needed to overcome that
handicap in order to function in regular society. So I joined Toastmasters to try to conquer my irrational fear.
In Toastmasters, we had to write and deliver speeches
in front of other members. We had to be take our turn at conducting meetings. We had to stand up and speak intelligently on
any given subject for at least two minutes (without any preparation). In other words, we had to learn to think on
our feet. It was good - but brutal training
for someone with a monumental inferiority complex! I panicked, I stammered, I flubbed, – badly!
I literally wanted to turn and run and just forget about everything.
But I hate
unfinished business - and I hate quitting even more. So good, bad or otherwise, I determined to complete
that course. I did a few contortionist moves, kicked myself in my you-know-what,
and did what I thought was impossible. I
completed the course - even made it to the Regional finals with my “Humorous Speech”.
Nothing spectacular, but for me, it was a
major conquest!
When I retired, I found myself stagnating intellectually. I had no stimulation for my brain and at
times I felt almost apprehensive about my mental state. I'd forget something - or someone's name -
and fret about deteriorating mental capacities.
I worried that old age was coming around more quickly than I wanted. I still had a lot of unfinished business to
complete. I could not afford to get old,
senile or ill.
We all have dreams, hopes, aspirations, passions, pet hobbies, . Me – I like to write – poems, stories, a real novel – perhaps. Someday – perhaps.
I now have four books on line. God willing, there will be more.
So here is the lesson that I want to impart to
you – Don’t just flirt with “someday”. Dream
it??? Then DO it! NOW!!!
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