THIRD PLACE FINISH
Hello!
It’s been a busy first quarter of the year – speaking, training, taking dance classes, writing and spending time with friends and family. I’m trying a new format here and always welcome your feedback!
Shortly after the war began in Ukraine (February 24, 2022), I had a deep sense of wanting to support the people of Ukraine. I learned there were Toastmasters clubs in Ukraine so I researched which clubs speak English and what time they meet (Ukraine is 7 hours ahead). I Zoomed into Chamber Toastmasters in Kyiv, Ukraine and have been with them ever since.
I entered the International Speech Contest at Chamber Toastmasters to share my story about our support for the Ukrainian people. I won first place at the club level, then first place at the Area level, and lastly, 3rd place at the Division level this past weekend (photo above).
The contest was held at 10:00am Kyiv time – 3:00am ET! I decided to take the challenge! I planned my clothes, jewelry, make-up, dinner, sleep time, 3am coffee and stretch time. I planned my post contest time which included breakfast, and I thought time for a morning nap, but the entire event ran until 7:00am ET! I was humbled as an American, speaking to people from Ukraine and Slovakia.
There are many times in life when the opportunity to “train” may present itself to you. It could be an upcoming surgery, a new physical activity, a life transition, a presentation or a job interview. The experience can be joyful, nerve wracking, and powerful all at once! Think of yourself as an athlete and TRAIN by taking control of your time, your action items for your health, your well-being and your schedule. Quiet the noise and trust yourself.
If you have an upcoming opportunity to “train” for a life event, please feel free to reach out to me. I’d be more than happy to help you outline your action plan!
Happy Spring!
With gratitude,
MOVE YOUR BODY…
You can regulate your nervous system by quieting your mind.
Take Five: Take a five-minute break from ALL screens. Let your eyes focus on the blue sky or any blue object. Allow your breath to flow easily in through your nose and out through your mouth. Gazing at the color blue reduces stress and invokes feelings of serenity and peacefulness.
…MOVE YOUR MIND
I studied Somatic Experience Training many years ago and it continues to be a foundation of my work. The training “provides a rich theoretical framework for understanding and addressing trauma physiology” and helped me navigate my own healing in a truly powerful way. Waking the Tiger normalizes the symptoms of trauma and the steps needed to heal them. Check it out on Amazon!
SPRING IN FULL SWING!
I had a beautiful trip visiting my parents in Florida earlier this month. My mother is very active including golf, tap dance classes and painting classes! I had a wonderful time painting with her (she is way better:) and loved wearing one of her smocks! As Luigi always said, (one of the fathers of classic jazz dance) “never stop moving!”
