No idea why this popped into my head today—but it did, and I wanted to share it with you.
It’s the story of a time I faced one of my biggest fears 👇
For years, I believed I’d never be able to speak in front of a big audience without freezing. Just the thought of all those eyes on me? Nope. Probably goes back to those childhood moments of not knowing the answer in class.
But deep down, once I started Transform Challenging Behavior, I had this wild dream: to be a keynote speaker. Sharing play-powered strategies that actually help with challenging behavior felt more important than my fear.
Still...fear had the upper hand. Until one day, I got invited to give a keynote.
ACK.
Total coincidence (or not?): a dear friend (a sex educator, fun fact!) invited me to join her in a public speaking course right before that keynote was scheduled.
So I said yes to both.
I practiced. Got frustrated. Embarrassed. Unsure. Tried mantras like “I’m a successful keynote speaker” until slowly, I started to believe it.
And then—I stood in front of hundreds of early childhood educators. I shared real strategies. I saw heads nodding. I heard “This will work.” And I realized: I’d done it! Whew.
The biggest lesson?
Sometimes the thing you fear most is exactly what you need to do. That’s where growth lives.
It’s been true in every big leap I’ve taken—starting TCB, moving across the country, solo backpacking over 200 miles.
And if I can do that, I know you can face your thing too.
🦊Maybe it’s using a puppet at circle time.
📋 Applying for a new position in your workplace - or a new job altogether.
🎒Going back to school.
💃Taking a dance class.
💕Starting (or ending) a relationship.
Whatever that scary idea is that keeps nudging you—go for it. I’m cheering you on.
Wanna share the fear you're ready to face? (Comment below)