MidnightBlue

Hi, SR mates.

I'm freaking out. On Monday I am supposed to be a speaker on an online seminar for the first time.

It's silly, but I'm hell anxious about this. I've tried meditation, relaxation, working out. I try to convince myself that my world won't go to pieces even if something goes wrong.

But there are always some people at seminars who make rude and nasty comments about speakers, or just trolling, and I'm thin-skinned about such things.

It's a gorgeous evening, trees are in bloom, and I'm wrapped in a dark cloud of anxiety.

I'm not going to drink over it. There are options though:

- ice-cream/cookies/junk food binge;
- "I am not good at anything" binge
- "I will fail" binge.

I'm freaking both about this seminar and that I'm sweating over small stuff again. Double freaking.

Some words of encouragement would be highly appreciated, friends)

Thank for listening to my rant. I know it's nothing compared to bigger problems. And I feel somewhat ashamed wining about this. But still freaking out...

soberjim

Midnight....Freaking out is natural...To you it is a big problem, that is what is important.

Rule out the 'I am not good at anything' binge and the 'I will fail binge'. Both of these are just simply counter productive and NOT true. The 'ice cream/cookies/junk food' binge. You may have something there. Put that under the 'Give some further consideration' column.

I think you know how to handle this...

Most time the reality not even comes close to how bad you 'envision' the possible bad outcomes. There is a high probability it will go off smoothly.

However, what if there is a glitch? You are correct your world will not go to pieces.

I think you will do just fine.

Jim

Nonsensical

I frequently have to preent as part of my job. I don't care for it, but it's manageable. I prepare in several ways:

1. I make sure I am the expert in the room on what is being discussed. When I don't have a good grasp of the material, I never feel comfortable talking about it.

2. No beverages for 60 minutes prior, but have bottle of water available. The water is also a way to restore breathing rhythm if nerves throw you off.

3. Whenever possible meet, greet and mingle with audience prior. it helps to know a few people and speak as if it's directly to them.

Good Luck!

AugustWest11

Go w\ the Ice Cream Midnight You can always work that off You will be just fine

LDT

I'm a musician and I use to feel that way every time I had to play solo . I'm so much better now that Im sober. I now try not to run from or mask the feelings of anxiety .... I just try to observe and feel them as if I were a third party. Then I choose to look at them as feelings of energy and excitement, rather than nerves. If I have practiced and prepared for my concert to the best of my ability, I repeat our yoga mantra to myself...." Wherever you are is perfect." This is just what works for me.

Good luck Midnight. I also think you will do just find

MidnightBlue

Thanks a lot, guys)

Joe Nerv

Also a musician, and have done some theater. Praying some heavy duty prayers has helped me enormously, but if you're not praying/believing type the simple mantra of stating that I'm wherever I am to "bless, not impress", has been really helpful.

MidnightBlue

Thank you, friends. Really great advices.

OneLessLonely

Hey MB, I said recently that I had been reading your replies to others lately and think you're so thoughtful and intelligent. This will carry over your online speaker seminar. Knowing ahead of time people have been rude will make it less about you if it happens. Come right to SR afterwards and let us know how it went. And no matter how it went you will always get support from us because we all understand and know you're a good person. Your intention is pure and good. I've read a book called The Worry Cure that was really insightful and helpful. Maybe treat yourself to it for doing this thing out of your comfort zone.

MidnightBlue

Thank you so much, OneLessLonely) And I will surely come to SR right afterwards - I will need to share with you my emotions whatever they will be.

AugustWest11

You never know; might have found a new calling

MidnightBlue

You are right, August) It happened to me more than once - first I was hell scared of smth, then just loved it. Thank you)

GracieLou

There is no problem to big or small. We all deserve support and encouragement!

I wrote this down. I like it! I am going to use that when I trying to decide something. Thanks!

nowme

You can do it, especially if you have done it before.
I was going to suggest:
Know the material, practice, think of any questions you may have to answer, and hAve a glass of water nearby.
You will do great!!!!!

MidnightBlue

Thank you) I'm feeling so much better and more settled now.

MidnightBlue

Hi, all)

So, my seminar is just over. I am exhausted, but everything was Ok. There were some technical issues, but I did....Ok, considering it was my first tine I did fine.

Thank you all for support and great advices!!!!!

BJett

I'm trusting God it seems for the first time in my life. Doing life sober, but with God I will heal ... Learning feelings aren't facts.

nowme

Midnight, I knew you would do great! I bet you are relieved that it is over. Now, when you do it again you will be less nervous. I'm happy for you

MidnightBlue

Thank you so much, Nowme!)))

Yeah, I am relieved) But you won't believe - I am speaking at another one tomorrow)))

OneLessLonely

So happy you did this and that it went ok! Great job!