Studies show many people are more afraid of public speaking than death. Looking at this statement with a distance, it is, of course, thoroughly absurd. In the minutes leading up to my most recent talk however, heart pounding hands sweaty, I could certainly relate.
As soon as I started speaking though I relaxed, got comfortable and had so much fun (this just sounds like my last post about the minutes before and after my first skydive jump… same thing!). Publicly sharing my lowest lows and my highest highs, making myself vulnerable by speaking about trauma and internal battles, inspiring the audience to write their own life script and compose the soundtrack that goes with it is such a rewarding experience for me.
Because when you go public like this, you give other people the chance to authentically connect to you, to resonate with your story. From human to human, from heart to heart. And that, I can tell you, creates magic. Reason enough for me to continue giving these speeches, no matter how nervous I might get in the minutes before.
Thank you, Christoph Janser and hab queer bern, for the invitation and the hospitality.
Also, Brené Brown and Simon Sinek, should you ever read this: you are two of the most inspirational people in this world for me. You and your books are the reason I do what I do. Thank you for giving me the courage I needed.
