This picture was taken while delivering a keynote back in 2014. What I remember most is being absolutely mortified as I walked towards a stage that was surrounded by screens that projected my every move. I had never experienced that before.
I struggled with body dysmorphic disorder from an early age, and when I walked up the stairs I caught a glimpse of my side profile occupying an entire screen. I winced, tripped on the steps, and stumbled onto the stage. At that moment I had a choice to make.
While a loud voice in my mind said, “RUN!!!”, a quiet voice said, “You got this.”
I stayed.
What I also remember about that day is the woman who approached me after, and shared that my message changed her life.
From that moment forward I vowed to always move through my fears, and trust.
Life will always throw challenges our way, and we are always left with a choice to run or face them head on.
The more we embrace our fears, the stronger we become.