On Tuesday I had the opportunity to speak to a group of women on this topic. I framed it around the question: What would you do if you weren’t afraid? It’s a good questions and one I need to continually revisit. I was encouraged to hear the responses that ranged from going on an overseas missions trip to helping out at a foodbank. There is no wrong answer.
The point is that you are willing to step outside your comfort zone and stretch. Growth only comes with discomfort. Anyone who has given up chocolate to lose 5 pounds knows the truth in that statement.
Today I spoke at a local highschool I co-taught two grade eleven glasses back to back. We were talking about leadership and how to approach conflict in a healthy way. I don’t know if you’ve spent the morning in a high school recently. That was outside my comfort zone.
And did I grow? I think so.
how would you say being in a high school grew you? I feel challenged when I supply teach. One thing that strikes me is that these young people are all each struggling with something- together, yet so often all alone. some days my heart breaks for them, other days their courage fills me with hope.
Good question! I think it grew me because it made me focus on who I was speaking to, what they need, what their life experience is and shape my speaking around it. I usually try to do that but my audience is normally closer to my own demographic. It grew me because it helped me see a new perspective. And it grew me because they don’t give a lot of affirmation, etc. as a group. So, as a speaker I had to do what I do and have faith that it landed where it needed to land.