I Was Told to Go Out of My Comfort Zone - So I Climbed on a Truck

October 2013 Campaign Period - It was the night of the presentation. The most awaited time for everyone to hear the candidates speak and for the people to make their choices. 

Most people do not know this, but I ran for public office before. I was 19 years old then, the youngest of the candidates. Petite, but confident, uncertain but headstrong. 

I knew why I was there at that moment. I wanted to serve. So I ran for public office.

One particular evening, I was about to deliver a speech addressed to the residents of the barangay. I prepared myself subconsciously, taking in deep inhales and steady exhales as I rehearsed the content in my mind.

"I must not forget this line, I must remember to cite this law to make it more impactful, I can do this!!!"

These words became my mantra. 

As I was repeating it like a broken record in my head, my hands began producing sweat without my knowledge. My heart, too, started thumping loudly like a giant gong has been hit, making me feel nauseous and deeply nervous that it was now my turn to speak in public.

The candidate before me was concluding his speech and then he finally said my name.

When he passed the microphone to me, there was silence. People were waiting for me to start speaking. They were looking at me like with piercing eyes - or at least in my perspective, that's how it looked like.

I eyed the audience too, warily scanning the crowd. The closest bunch of them was only a few inches away from me. The thickness of the crowd filled the streets of the town and it was when I realized that I was at a losing edge, a tight predicament.

There was NO WAY that I could be seen by everyone, let alone, be heard audibly, except the ones nearest to me. I had to find a way for people to see and hear me. To get to know me. Or rather, I need to find a way so I can speak with my audience, connect with them, and truly reach out to them that evening.

So, nonchalantly, while the audience kept their focus on this young girl with the microphone waiting for her to speak, I walked towards the empty pick-up truck and climbed on it. (Truck was owned by the town)

"Ah, finally! I can see all of you!" These were the first words that came out of my mouth that night.

On one hand, relief washed over me knowing that I can see all of them, and I can deliver my speech with gusto. I was thrilled. 

But on the other hand, surprise and shock washed over the audience's faces knowing they saw me do what I just did. How childish! Who in their right mind would climb on a truck just so they can deliver a speech? 

Well, that person is me I guess? 

People often say, "Go out of your comfort zone so you can grow!"

That night, I did go out of my comfort zone even when it meant shocking everyone by climbing on a truck. 

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PRESENT MOMENT 

Singapore

That helped me become fearless in standing on a chair whenever I facilitate. Especially if the crowd is big and there is no stage anywhere. Sometimes, you just really need to find ways to deliver even if that means breaking some norms and stepping out of your comfort zone. Try new things. Experiment. Grow.

"Growth is uncomfortable because you've never been here before - you've never been this version of you. So lean into your discomfort and add a little fun in between too! That's how we truly grow."

Love,

Mary Jedde