Facing Fears

On Friday, I presented my colleague's and my work at a conference in Philadelphia. While I was appreciative of the professional development opportunity, it meant facing some pretty serious fears. First, I would have to fly (and I HATE flying). Second, I would have to speak in public...at a podium...did I mention in public? On top of all that, I would be away from Dexter for 2 days. But thanks to the support of Ben and some friends at work I mustered the strength to face these fears and everything went wonderfully. We had a small but highly engaged group for the talk so I was quickly able to forget about how uncomfortable I was at the front of the room and actually enjoy the intellectual exchange. And there was nothing like getting off the plane in Chicago and having Dexter run towards me with open arms saying, "Mama!" I can't say that my public-speaking fears have been obliterated but I can say that I'm not as terrified of it as I was a week ago.