Disaster...an incidence to remember

I used to be very afraid of public speaking or giving presentations to a large group of folks. I used to keep all my questions and answers to myself. I will sit silently during the entire presentation and will not utter a single word of doubt or question. This reminds me of an incidence from my school days when I was about 13 or 15 years old.

Every one in the class was supposed to lead and sing one morning prayer. So, it was my turn on that day. I did full rehearsal in front of the mirror or when I was alone. Next day with butterflies in my stomach, I reached school on time and stood in the line waiting for my turn to start the prayer. I sang first line with full nervousness and then I went blank, blank like a slate,nothing was coming in my mind... I was not able to recall next line of the prayer... I waited there for next couple of mins but I was 100 % blank ...My teacher looked at me with full anger like what's the problem... complete this prayer. I waited for few more mins and then said, I am sorry and went down the stage. I cried a lot and got full lecture from my teacher on that day... :(

I tried keeping myself safe for a long time from public speaking due to this fear. Finally one day came in my professional carrier, when I was not able to escape myself from giving this presentation in front of the entire business unit. I expressed my hesitation to my manager and she told me one thing.. "I know you are a strong girl and you can handle it very well. I am there with you, do not worry and you will do good."  Don't know from where these lines gave so much strength and will power that I gave my first presentation to a group of 30 engineers without getting nervous or getting stuck or even going blank after seeing this big group. 

From then on wards I never looked back and I am no more afraid of presentation/ public speaking provided I know what I am talking about or the subject is completely clear to me.

I strongly feel that parents should encourage their kids to stand up for themselves and let them peruse their dreams. Let them travel to another city for  study or work and become independent unique identities.

I have few college friends who were not allowed to go beyond there respective cities for work or study as parents were afraid that no you are a girl, you can not go to other city alone.

I think I am blessed to have supporting and understanding parents, who understood my problems and were standing tall like pillars when ever I needed their support. They encouraged me to go to different city for study and in fact allowed me to go to far places for work. It's their faith and trust, that keeps me connected to my roots and I can differentiate between good and bad.  I know that I will always have my parents support, it does not  matter whether time is good or bad or I am beautiful or ugly.

I just want parents to support their kids when they are learning how to stand, after that kid will run, walk, dance on his own.

Give them wings, let them fly!