It was around 6:30 p.m. on Monday in Florence when I started making my way to school for a mandatory speaker event. I was feeling very ungrateful, tired and hungry as I was being forced by my professors to hear some lady talk about flat shoes and feminism. All I could think about was how these two things went together and when could I go home to eat. I know I sound like a completely ungrateful child, but I also know we have all felt this way at one time or another. So as I arrive fashionably late to the event, and I am forced to take a seat in the very first row right in front of the speaker’s podium. I did not know it then, but a flow of inspiration was coming my way.
Nicole Still, founder of Viajiyu Shoe Company, is a girl from Loveland, Ohio who ended up being a flat shoe store owner after being a successful journalist and boat maker. The way she spoke with such courage and ease made it seem like she had been public speaking forever. When she told us she has only talked in front of big groups of people three times in her life I did not believe her. She talked about woman trailblazers, feminism and how she wants to help empowered women reach their goals. She talked about being authentic, kind and confident. Nicole reiterated that we sometimes have to fake confidence and courage to get out of the comfort zone that we put ourselves in.
Not once did I take my eyes off of her, my ears listened to every word that came out of her mouth. I saw so many women I knew within her soul, and I had so many questions I wanted to ask her. When it came time to the question and answer part I froze. I could not speak. All of these questions inside of me wanting to come out, yet I was speechless. When she was done I ran up to her and finally muttered a few words of how grateful I was for her because I needed to hear those things at that moment.
It is strange when something you need to be reminded of comes up into your life at the perfect moment. Be aware of these occurrences for they could be your next source of inspiration. I learned from Nicole’s speech that you do not have to have experience to be good at what you do. If you have passion and determination you will find a way to get it done well. I was also reminded how I need to speak and not hold so many curious questions or passion to myself.
I hope today you are reminded of something you have always wanted to do and find a way to make it happen. Do not be afraid. You never know, the person sitting next to you could be your next source of inspiration.
Be mindful. Be courageous. Be kind.
