A new first step

Learning to manage my anxiety has been the work of a lifetime. I never thought I would open up to many people about it, let alone put it in writing for the whole world to see…but I have. I never thought I would tell strangers about my struggles and the hard journey through anxiety to success, but I’ve learned to work through the fear and have told my story on stage many times.

But soon, I’m going to have to do something a lot harder.

In the past, my presentations have been a collection of personal stories, sharing some tips and tricks, and lots of questions. But on February 4, I’ll be speaking as part of the prestigious Dean College Speaker Series that has featured people like Jonathan Kraft (President, Kraft Group) and Micheal Spillane (President, Nike).

For this, I’ve collaborated with friends to hone these stories into “Fear’s Fortune,” a 45-minute ride through my struggles with anxiety and the funny and heartbreaking things that have happened as a result. Where before I’ve been able to speak off the cuff, this has a real script with a beginning, middle, and an end.

There is no stopping when I feel overwhelmed with fear–the show must go on.

At times I’ve asked, “Why am I putting myself through this?” It’s all part of my process of learning, showing vulnerability, sharing what I’ve dealt with for decades, and getting over my biggest fear now- Public Speaking.

One of the reasons I hate watching movies on a plane is I know how long they last. I know that; if the beast rears its ugly head I have at least “such and such” time to go just for the movie to be over. Well, I flew to Europe this past year and watched two movies. I felt it, and was able to manage it and it went away.

Now I’m the movie! I will feel it, manage it, and do my best to deliver to the people at Dean College the most honest and powerful talk I’m capable of. I’ll act as if I’m not nervous, but excited! See ya on the 4th!

BB