Taking a risk - Michele Normand

Today I stepped out of my comfort zone, WAY OUT! One of the requirements for our black belt test is to do a community service project.  Picking my focus was easy.  I wanted to do something to serve my community that centered around mental health.  I did a lot of research, talked with my teammates regarding some of my ideas and built a plan to invite people to the studio where we could talk openly about our stories and have resources available to them.  During my research I stumbled across NAMI’s website.  NAMI is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans and their families affected by mental health conditions.  I saw that they did FREE presentations for students, families and staff.  The presentations had all the things in it that I wanted to do.  So why reinvent the wheel?  As I was emailing back and forth for more information and explaining my experiences and passion for helping others with mental health conditions I was asked “have you ever thought about being a lead presenter? You have a personal story and a passion.”  WHAT? ME?  I would love to, but I suffer with anxiety which sometimes makes my brain get all jumbled, I would run the risk of my emotions getting out of control and I could forget things, or maybe not say words right, etc. etc. etc.  I would risk failing!!!  Risking failure is not something a lot of us want to do, especially as we get older.  However not taking a risk and not stepping out of our comfort zone only holds us back instead of challenging us to learn, grow and try new things.  I took the risk and said ok I’ll do it!   Today I completed my first presentation.  Was it perfect...No, is anything ever perfect?  But I did it!  

 I may have never taken the risk if it hadn't been for this test and being required to do a community service project. A passion was felt, a question was asked and a door opened. On the other side of that door risk of failure was a possibility but growth was the reality.

Comments

  1. AmiMinorOctober 12, 2019 at 8:29 PM

    Michele, your presentation was amazing. Your story was so powerful, I was taken away by not only your story but how you were able to capture your audience. You are a inspiration and I strive to better myself daily and become like you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. SBN SamanthaOctober 14, 2019 at 12:24 PM

    You have found your passion, and that is amazing! You should feel very proud of yourself for stepping out of your comfort zone and sharing your personal experience as a way to help others. <3

    ReplyDelete

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