A Landmark Day

Today, June 11, 2008 has proved to be a landmark day for me.

First, I have completed my 1095 days living in Canada. For those who know why is this number important, will understand why this is an important day. I, and many people related to me, have been patiently waiting for these 1095 days to complete. Today is the day!

Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, today I realized what came first as a dream to me: starting a Toastmasters club in my company. I remember when this idea came to my mind, I told about it to a Toastmaster-turned-colleague of mine (has long left the company for greener pastures to far West). He said what most of us fear: public-speaking in front of people you know and work with??!! Not a good idea! Although I was not completely taken by this fear, it remained in me to this day. After so much effort convincing our HR and coordinating with TM expert, I was still questioning myself: what have I done?! Can I really do it? Should I do it?! I am going to change my image forever in front of those people. They might hate me, might ridicule me, might envy me, might blame me... and if nothing, will bombard me with questions. But it was too late. The moment had arrived when we were ready to kick-off a club.

The demonstration meeting started smoothly, thanks to experienced Toastmasters. One colleague who is a member (inactive) of my home-club at university volunteered to participate... it was like having someone to share my burden. I cant be thankful enough to him. Anyway, the meeting started and soon my name came up and I had to stand from my seat... a moment of rising from obscurity! Throughout the meeting I was asked to speak up in front of the group of about 40 people.

Despite what was going on inside me, the meeting went very well. One single testimonial of this is that, almost 70% of people who attended decided to join. Not only that, when they were asked to volunteer for officer roles, they showed great enthusiasm and put themselves up for difficult roles like VP PR and VP Membership. One of them dared to be VP Education (fortunately, he is already a friend and someone I can trust). That was extremely encouraging and beyond my expectations. At the end of the meeting, we were successfully able to charter the club having recruited 20+ members and candidates for essential officer roles. Triumph!

I am thrown far from my comfort zone in my company. Although uncomfortable, I know one thing for sure: I am being prepared for something bigger. I dont know exactly what it is or will be, but am confident that it will be for my good. This was one dream coming true. But I have many. So I am just waiting for right time and opportunities to knock at my door. I hope I will be awake to answer them. Insha'Allah.