Zithromax For Sale

"People think chutzpah is in the genes. It isn't.. it's in the needing and wanting and being willing to fall on your face. It isn't fun.. who wants all that rejection, but life is sweeter if you make yourself do uncomfortable things." - Helen Gurley Brown

That was the quote I read the morning after my speech contest and it was just what I needed to hear. As I mentioned in last week's post, I competed in the Tall Tales contest and represented Division One, Area A2 Toastmasters. I signed up for the contest to challenge my fears and grow as a person and I accomplished my mission. I was pushed and pulled emotionally every step of the way. The entire experience was way out of my comfort zone. I may have looked comfortable but my insides were in a state of turmoil. I did it anyway and it was exhilarating.

From Toastmasters/ Speaking

I also had the support of my fellow Agape Toastmasters and my Savvy Soul Sisters. I actually had Cynthia Lamb pray for me before the contest began...I was that nervous. But, I showed up, I did what I planned to do and I made it through the experience galvanized. Here's another quote I got in my Daily Love newsletter the day after my contest:

"Life is a good teacher and a good friend. Things are always in transition, if we could only realize it. To stay with that shakiness - to stay with a broken heart, with a rumbling stomach, with the feeling of hopelessness and wanting to get revenge - that is the path of true awakening. Sticking with that uncertainty, getting the knack of relaxing in the midst of chaos, learning not to panic - this is the spiritual path." - Pema Chodron

After the contest, I celebrated the accomplishment of facing my fears and went to see live music at Industry Cafe & Jazz with my friend Linderella. Linderella (AKA Linda Saito) was recently honored at Industry Cafe & Jazz. Here's a video of her singing. Listening to her voice and seeing her smile with soothe your soul. Another great tool to help me make it through the utter terror of competing in a speech contest was free Yoga on the Bluff in Long Beach. I went twice this week and it was heavenly both times. I don't have a photo of the actual class in session but it takes place right here at Junipero and Ocean. There's nothing like doing Yoga while looking out at the ocean. Talk about bliss. [caption id="attachment_1518" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="The view from Junipero and Ocean. Just to the right of this is where the free yoga classes in Long Beach are held"][/caption] The philosophy of Yoga is that you can breathe through any difficulty, any pain, any stiffness. You can stretch yourself, you can be flexible, you can do things you didn't think you could do. The teachers always say you can take the lessons you learn on the yoga mat out into the real world. I put that premise to the test this week and it proved to be true. With that in mind, I will definitely return to Yoga on the Bluff and I look forward to flowing through the next great adventure with grace, ease.