When Amsterdam University College invited me to speak at its TEDx event, I was surprised and truly honored. And yet, my initial reaction was to politely decline. I've been blessed with the opportunity to travel the world and speak with thousands of people at Bridegroom screenings, fundraisers, and other events, but those were always limited engagements and I usually just answered questions or mingled. The thought of giving an extended, memorized speech terrified me.
Then I remembered that when I began this journey, I was petrified of partaking in simple Q & As. I worried someone might ask me a question to which I didn't have an answer or that I'd sound like an idiot and make the entire LGBTQ community look bad.
What I eventually came to understand, however, is that if I didn't face my fears head on, if I avoided priceless opportunities, not only would I prevent my personal growth, but I'd also miss the chance to reach more people and possibly open more hearts and minds. I agreed to do the TEDx event because giving just one more person hope or making one more person feel less alone were far more important than my personal fears. Of course, I was still nervous and scared, even while giving the talk, but I did it anyway.
We can't give power to fear, shame, or ego. We must allow ourselves to be vulnerable; when we do, we open ourselves up to the possibility of being part of something much bigger than ourselves.
Then I remembered that when I began this journey, I was petrified of partaking in simple Q & As. I worried someone might ask me a question to which I didn't have an answer or that I'd sound like an idiot and make the entire LGBTQ community look bad.
What I eventually came to understand, however, is that if I didn't face my fears head on, if I avoided priceless opportunities, not only would I prevent my personal growth, but I'd also miss the chance to reach more people and possibly open more hearts and minds. I agreed to do the TEDx event because giving just one more person hope or making one more person feel less alone were far more important than my personal fears. Of course, I was still nervous and scared, even while giving the talk, but I did it anyway.
We can't give power to fear, shame, or ego. We must allow ourselves to be vulnerable; when we do, we open ourselves up to the possibility of being part of something much bigger than ourselves.
