Let's talk about venturing into uncharted territory, shall we? Buckle up, because this story involves a chamber of commerce committee meeting, a retired teacher with a case of the "idea-yips," and the ever-present question: did I talk too much?
Now, let me assure you that my chamber experience has been nothing short of delightful in the six months since I joined. I love that I can make connections with local businesspeople and support the community where I’ve lived my whole life. The members are friendly, the staff is fantastic, and this committee focuses on crafting educational opportunities for the membership, which is right up my alley.
Here's the thing, though: I'm a retired high school teacher and librarian. Currently, I coach writers and design and present workshops. Basically, I spend my days spinning information into gold and coaxing creativity out of anyone brave enough to get on a Zoom call with me. "Educational resources" is my jam. I can sniff out a good workshop topic from a mile away, and my brain is wired to turn information into engaging ideas and meaningful outcomes faster than a hummingbird on a sugar rush.
So, imagine me in this committee meeting, surrounded by discussions of e-newsletter best practices and the finer points of wellness programs.
It's a quirk of mine—my brain went into overdrive. I was strategizing, asking questions, and spitballing ideas, and before I knew it, I was proposing members record five-minute video tips for a YouTube channel. I don’t even know if the organization has a YouTube channel.
When the dust settled after my rapid-fire suggestions, I couldn't help but notice a few folks sporting expressions that could only be described as "deer-in-the-headlights." (Okay, okay, I confess, I might have talked a lot. A lot a lot) But no one outright said anything negative. A couple of members even seemed genuinely interested.
However, once I got home, post-meeting jitters kicked in. Did I talk too much? Did I overwhelm the group? Were those deer-in-the-headlights expressions I spotted a sign that my enthusiasm had run amok? It's funny how self-doubt creeps in when navigating new situations. Would a man worry about being too vocal? I don’t think so.
Reflecting on this, I realized it's not just about the external feedback but also about my own internal dialogue. Embracing our voice is a journey, sometimes filled with uncertainties. As women, we might have that extra layer of self-doubt, especially when we venture outside our comfort zone. But here's the truth—I excel at this. And you do, too, in whatever you're passionate about.
So, here's my question to you: Is it a woman thing to worry about talking too much, even when we bring a wealth of experience to the table? Or am I just overthinking this whole thing? Let's chat in the comments—share your experiences, thoughts, and maybe even some tips on silencing the inner critic who tells us to dial down our awesome.
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