Communication is a habit, a series of rituals reinforced over time that make you unique. This year, as I spent time in spiritual and personal development, I became able to communicate from a deeper level, from my own inner truth.
Through the process of journaling and self-reflection, I became aware of a part of myself that I have named Puleza. Puleza is the people-pleasing perfectionist with severe issues of unworthiness and I listened to her advice and guidance for many years. She made me believe that I wasn’t “good enough” to be heard. She silenced me.
But in the past two years and in this past year especially I have dedicated all my energy to reclaiming my voice. I have forced myself to break out of my creative box and to get clear on what I wanted to say. I dared to speak my truth in front of strangers and what happened is that I uncovered the “real me”, the Gal Vanized part of me that is confident in who she is and excited about sharing good things with people.
After listening to Puleza I got into some bad habits like:
*remaining silent
*not “making a scene”
*blending in
*staying to myself
*Trying to be a “good” wife
*Trying to be a “good” teacher
*Trying to please everyone
*Trying not to upset anyone
etc., etc.
Needless to say, this is not a joy-filled way to live life but habits are habits and once you get stuck on them, it’s pretty much a subconscious process.
I used my speeches at Toastmasters to “expose” Puleza and make it a habit to take risks. Each time I spoke I pushed my comfort zone out a little further. The members of my club saw that change and awarded me Toastmaster of the Year. This is a perfect outer validation of an inner-feeling that’s been growing inside me since the moment I decided I would do what it takes to master my Life.
I want to give profound thanks to my fellow Agape Toastmaster members who made it possible to grow and flourish as I have. Special thanks to Jesus Nebot, Cynthia Lamb and Joe Barth. Your leadership has made a powerful difference in my life. I also want to thank my husband Michael Zampelli for always providing me with room to grow and finally I want to thank Ty and the Savvy Soul Sisters, my partners in crime and my entourage for stepping onto the big stage.
See some of my recent speeches on my YouTube channel.
For more about Agapge Toastmasters, visit their website.
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For step-by-step guidance on overcoming fear and self-sabotage, purchase the book From Sabotage to Success.
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After I broke out of my shell with the help of Agape Toastmasters, I started The Sheri and Erin Show. The show is designed to help listeners break free from self-imposed limitations so they can live their lives with joy and authenticity. To find out more visit Blog Talk Radio or click on the player below:
