I think you travel to search and you come back home to find yourself there.― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Over the last year and a bit, I've been doing a lot of travelling. Not necessarily the kind of travelling that finds me packing bags and booking flights and arriving to stretch my limbs on the soils of new lands, but the kind of travel Chimamanda spoke about. I've made a concerted effort to face a number of my fears, and I'm proud that say that that journey has afforded me the ability to return home and find myself - a new and improved version - there.
One of the biggest fears I've had to overcome has been my fear of public speaking, and within that, my fear of voicing my opinion. Though I went to a performing arts school in my childhood, I rarely felt comfortable with the spotlight on me. I preferred to express my art in quieter ways, so writing and visual art became my close confidants. As I've mentioned time and time again on this blog and in other spheres, I've always loved writing - but I think writing became a crutch for me to express myself when I felt my spoken words were lacking. When it came to vocalizing my opinion on a topic, I found that extremely difficult as well. I was afraid of sounding stupid, of having people disagree with me, or of having people simply not understand what I was trying to say. The frustrating thing was that I wanted to be a performer. I wanted to embrace the spotlight. I wanted to engage in debate and be confident in my stance - I just...couldn't. These fears lasted well past childhood and have followed me into my adult life.
A couple of years ago, I decided to pack up my mental/emotional baggage and take a trip that would force me to confront my fears head on. That journey was called the "Just Do It Like Nike World Tour" and the premise was simple. To go from place to place, I'd have to get there by doing the things that scared the sh*t out of me. That was the only way. And so I did. Public speaking opportunities? I took 'em. Chances to respond clearly when someone asked me my opinion on a topic? I embraced 'em. I made myself promise not to shy away from anything that scared me, and listen - I have grown.
Never fear - I'm part of another amazing event coming up in Toronto on May 4th at the Virgin Mobile Mod Club, and you could win a ticket! Last year, I took a HUGE leap by co-hosting Stacy-Ann Buchanan's fashion and art show called The Mystic Effect, and this year I'll be back in the role of Social Media Correspondent! The Mystic Effect intertwines fashion with music, poetry, dance, and film, and this year will be incredible. If you aren't able to attend, make sure you're following me on Twitter and Instagram at @BeeSince83 and follow the hashtag #themysticeffect for all the show details! However - if you're in Toronto and want to attend, I've got the hook-up:
To win a ticket to The Mystic Effect on May 4th (doors open at 4pm, show starts at 5pm), simply tell me about one fear you've overcome. Comment below, tweet me, comment on my Facebook, or email me - any way you wish! I'll pick one winner on Tuesday, April 29th!
Good luck to all entering the ticket giveaway, and good luck to any and everyone who is working on challenging their fears. May we all travel along that journey and come back home to find ourselves, stronger, better, and more fearless!