On the last day of 2013, here is my latest post of a short story I wrote "An achievement". I look forward to sharing more essays with you in 2014. Happy New Year, everyone!
My
mind was a blank.
I
shifted uncomfortably as I watched Jane, my friend on stage finish the last
part of her speech. You see, I had stage fright. I was as sure as death and
taxes that the audience watching my presentation would burst out laughing at
me. The thought made me extremely nervous. I was on tenterhooks with each
passing moment. Anxiety encompassed me. Would everyone laugh at me? What if my
friends and teachers ridicule me? Like a child, I had butterflies churning in
my abdomen.
Moments
later and it was my turn to step onto the dreaded wooden stage.
It
was now or never I psyched myself, forcing to remain calm as I walked onto the
stage. I could feel the stares on me. My face seemed to turn grey with fearful
apprehension. The students who were looking at me were grinning evilly. Giggles
hung in the air like melting clouds that were waiting to rain on me. A voice
from the far end of the audience sounded a jeer at me, as though he was telling
me silently, “You dumb girl! I bet you are so scared that you would be rambling
on!”
“Get
a grip, Michelle,” a little voice told me. I can do this with some motivation
from my good buddies!
Yes,
I did have good friends. For instance, Nicole, who was one of the audience,
cast a friendly expression in my direction. She was exceptionally small for her
age and was kind by nature. Nicole had wide black eyes, raven dark hair and a
lovely pale Madonna face. Everyone in my class adored her and wanted to be
friends with her.
Then
there were others. Amanda, Vicky, Sean, Justin, Robert – they all cared for me
too. Never once did they hurl insults at me.
I
took a deep breath and then sprang into action – articulating my speech.
It
was done with such confidence that even I astonished myself. I was not
stuttering or stammering. At that juncture, I felt that I was unstoppable, a
strong spirit that could not be broken. Not even a giggle could make me feel
like a fearful rabbit.
Soon,
I finished. Taking a deep breath, I waited for the audience’s response.
Hysterical
applause and clapping resounded. I was surprised! Nevertheless, I thought
nobody would even bother to look at me. This was indeed surprising!
As
I walked down the stage, I realized something – many individuals including
myself allow fears to control their lives. What they do not realize is that
they can learn to face their fears and overcome them. Then they can set
themselves free. It is like thinking our fears are so great that you cannot do
anything about them. But in fact, we can. This was indeed an achievement, to
overcome my stage fright, one which I would remember for a long time to come.
See you all very soon,
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