Bravery

There are many forms of bravery. Today I did two things that I consider fairly brave.

A few weeks ago I decided to join Toastmasters. For those that don't know what that is, it is a club of sorts that helps people become better public speakers. You give a series of speeches and are evaluated by your fellow toastmaster members. The first brave thing I did today was give my very first speech. Now I am not usually shy in front of a group, and I have done my share of public speaking without freaking out. I even managed to speak at my Grandpa's Memorial Service without making a fool out of myself. But it is a little different when speaking in front of a group of strangers. I overcame my extreme nervousness this morning and gave a very heartfelt and great first speech. The evaluations came in and I was dubbed a natural public speaker by more than one person. If they even knew how nervous I was and how I was shaking inside they would know that I was not going to take up public speaking as a profession. It was very rewarding and felt good to do something that was difficult for me.

That leads me to my second brave thing I did today. I guess the accomplishment from the morning gave me a boost of self confidence. Maybe that's all I needed to do what I did this afternoon. To some, it may not be that big of a deal, but to me it was major. So there is a guy that I have been crushing on for a few weeks. I have been trying to work up the courage to ask him out. Today I did it. I walked right up to him, my insides shaking like I was one of those paint mixers at Home Depot. I made small talk for a few moments and then I just busted out and asked if he would like to go out for a drink. He took my number so I guess maybe we could potentially go out some time. The cool thing is, I am just excited that I was brave enough to do it. Even if we go out for a drink and end up being friends, I am actually pretty cool with that. Because you know what? Today I pushed myself so far outside my comfort zone. I mean we are talking WAY outside my comfort zone. And it felt good.

I wonder what cool things I can do tomorrow now that I have a bit of my bravery back?