April 22nd, 2008, by Shelley Riutta
Last week I was visiting my little sister in the hospital. She had knee surgery and was staying overnight in the hospital. My Dad and I had concerns about her the way that her IV was put in so we were asking the nurse about this. My sister said that she liked the way that I was when one of our family members were in the hospital. She was referring to two years ago when my Father had a very serious surgery at UW-Hospital in Madison, WI. There were many times while he was at the hospital where I had to move into the role of advocate for him—asking why something was being done or getting assistance when he was struggling. This helps the person who is in the hospital feel safe and that someone is watching over them and making sure they are being treated properly.
I attribute my ability to step into this role is all of the personal growth work I have done over the years. To be an effective advocate for yourself or others–you really need to let go of what other people think of you–if they think you are nice etc. You need to be concerned with the issues at hand and push for answers or assistance–and let go if others think you are pushy. Most people are too concerned about what others think that they fail to stand up for themselves and those around them. I’m not talking about being rude–but speaking up assertively. This is such a valuable thing to be able to do in your day to day life–for yourself and for the people in your life.
How well do you advocate for yourself and others? Practice letting go of what others think and focus on what you need to do to take care of yourself and those around you.
April 6th, 2008, by Shelley Riutta
“Speak your mind…even if your voice shakes” Maggie Kuhn, member of the Gray Panthers–social activist group advocating for justice and fairness for older americans.
I was reminded of this quote when I attended my first Toastmasters meeting last Thursday. For those of you who don’t know– Toastmasters is an organization designed to give people an opportunity to speak in front of a group and get constructive feedback. Some people attend for personal growth–and some attend to help develop their speaking skills for their profession. I had been wanting to attend Toastmasters for about a year and I finally put it in my schedule and attended.
I was so inspired by everyone who gave a speech! Despite nervousness and shakey voices they were doing it—moving beyond their fears into freedom. It was so moving for me. One of the biggest fears for most people is public speaking and here was a whole group of people actively moving through this fear.
I thought since it was my first meeting that I would be off the hook from speaking—not so—just as my mind was starting to drift off I heard my name. My friend Nancy who was in charge of the table top speeches–these are 1-2 minute speeches that are impromptu speeches on a random topic–decided to call on me to do one of the speeches. For me public speaking creates some anxiety in me but more than anything I get excited and invigorated by speaking. So I left the meeting flying high because of a few things—I was inspired by the others who were moving through their fears, I was excited that I finally attended and I’m glad I got my feet wet by getting to speak!
The more you face your fears and do it anyway you will move into freedom in your life. Don’t let your fears hold you back any longer. Do it even if your voice shakes!
What are you afraid of? What can you do to face this fear rather than avoiding it? Make a plan to do it this week!