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From: Alan (to Chris)
Date: 21 Oct 2011
Time: 14:48:23 -0500
Remote Name: 95.144.71.161
Hi Chris, Thank you for reading my paper and providing feedback. Having fulfilled several hundred public speaking engagements during the past 10 (or so) years, I now feel confident in accepting any speaking challenge. In fact, my diary already extends through to November 2012. :-) My repertoire is varied, embracing a wide array of subjects (such as stuttering awareness; autobiographical; motivational; historical; poetry; a miscellany of short stories/speeches; and even stand-up comedy. :-) In my life, there have been few experiences to equal the exhilaration of connecting with an audience. The thrill is heightened when, as a result of total abstinence from all avoidance strategies since 2000, I am able to pluck whatever words I wish from the extremities of my vocabulary (swelled by a lifetime of word substitution) and say them without any fear (or anticipatory thoughts) about encountering difficulties. I feel that the success we achieve is proportionate to the risks we take. We become increasingly powerful as our lives expand to accommodate different experiences. As we tread new paths, our power increases, as well as our confidence in our own ability. We find it easier to continue the process of stretching our comfort zones, in spite of any fears that may surface. I certainly found that I became more adventurous as time progressed - the magnitude of the risks expanding correspondingly. Over a period of time, my self-image widened to readily accept and incorporate the public speaking role (and many others). Today, public speaking is an integral part of my life. When we achieve something that we, hitherto, regarded impossible, it causes us to reconsider our limiting beliefs. If we conquer something that has challenged our advancement, we grow in stature. When we overcome hurdles, it opens our eyes to possibilities that we could never have imagined. When we are stretched by a new experience, we likewise grow as human beings. Chris, I very much appreciate your participation in this threaded discussion. Kindest regards Alan