Usually, I can talk myself through nervousness and doubt; but this time was a little different. I think it was because I was way too far outside my comfort zone, lots of firsts were happening. I knew nothing about field hockey and this would be my first time ever seeing the game played. Normally when I am speaking to groups about the benefits of healthy lifestyles, it is usually an audience of folks at least 30 years old. An audience of young ladies in junior high school was a first as well. I have done some brief speaking at fund raising walks in front of some big crowds, but the 500+ expected for a full fledged 20 minute presentation was a first as well. The only thing I could convince myself of was that all I could do is give it my best shot.
When I woke up to sunshine on Saturday morning and not the predicted rain, I knew we were off to a great start. And it only go better……when I arrived at the venue for the breakfast, then energy of all those girls was palpable. And contagious! The presentation went without a hitch, and there were many questions from the young women there. That was amazing, that’s when I knew they were engaged and they “got it”. My message of protecting their health for a lifetime by maintaining a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise hit home. They really understood the importance of doing everything possible to keep their hearts healthy. I was elated!
My young audience was so kind, sweet and gracious – I felt completely silly remembering just a few days prior I was scared to pieces!
I am very fond of quotes and have an arsenal of them to call upon. I have the one below in a little picture frame on my desk at work. Usually I think of it as a reminder of the small acts of kindness I try to do for others. But thinking about this past weekend, it’s all about the small acts of kindness bestowed upon me.
“No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted.”- Aesop
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