Fear. Everybody has it and nobody likes it. How can we overcome fear? Three speakers attempted to answer this on Wednesday.
Martin hinted at the possibility that our fears are less substantial than we think. Are we still afraid of monsters under the bed? Of course not. They were simply figments of our imagination. Perhaps this is the same for our adult fears. “Fear can be a self-fulfilling prophecy, like locking yourself in the room and swallowing the key”. We should consider fear in a different light.
Ahmad also encouraged us to look at things differently. We may have more cause for courage than we think. Through his clever deconstruction of the classic David and Goliath story, he demonstrated the possible power of the underdog. David was a nimble young boy, armed with the latest technology (a sling that shoots a bullet faster than a 45 magnum gun) against a lumbering five hundred pound outcast. He had a very real shot at winning as do many of us.
Stephen reminded us that “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure”. It would have been safer to stay shy and shovelling dung in the countryside, but Stephen realised he’d rather take a risk and lead the life he wanted. Funny, interesting and intelligent, Stephen’s speeches bear testament to the reward of taking risks. He has become an excellent communicator and fully deserved his Competent Communicator award on Wednesday.
From fears then to powerful conquests. Henry recounted the story of Captain Bligh, of BOUNTY fame, who survived a mutiny off the coast of Tahiti. In a remarkable feat of seamanship, the Royal Navy Captain sailed over 4000 miles to Timor. He later assisted in the project to build the North Bull sandbank in Dublin and eventually became Governor of New South Wales.
Topics were varied and full of advice. Deirdre recommended we grow old disgracefully, Maria that we embrace our flaws and Henry that we evade tax when we can. (Honest!) Jason believes we sometimes get the lives we deserve, Dan’s cat went on fire while climbing the curtains and Eddie gave a most perfect reply about perfection.
Colette was excellent in her open-mic role. In anticipation of a full social calendar in December, she spent November watching Netflix and found some “oldies but goodies”. “Wuthering Heights”, “Great Expectations” and “Rome” should not be missed.
Recognition was given to the great work done by the Sergeant at Arms, Sylvia, the excellent evaluators and the talented Toastmaster, Muna.
See you next Wednesday!
Fiona O’Meara,
Guest Blogger