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look for it. my friends and family. I allowed myself to see
Fellow Toastmasters and honored guests. I different possibilities for my future rather than

will never say the pandemic was a blessing in feeling bound by societal obligations which may
disguise. In some ways it forced us to slow down not even fit me as a person.
and focus on what was important to us. It took a We have the capacity to develop our talents,

pandemic to halt us in our tracks and allow us to skills, and abilities to their fullest potential. What
reevaluate our lives. Something is wrong with an is the terrifying part? To move away from the
employment system that doesn’t allow for much belief that we should follow society’s norms. Are
free time. That doesn’t allow family planning and careers or livelihoods acceptable when those
personal growth beyond parameters related to precepts are all we’ve known for many years? Yes,

one’s career path. Those who chose to become there are times when I still feel pangs of guilt for
Toastmasters found opportunities for growth and wanting to work on something that gives me joy.
self-improvement. We learned to become better I know those thoughts are counterproductive.

leaders, entrepreneurs, and businesspeople. We Projects that bring me the most satisfaction often
enrich our community through our collective provide me the greatest rewards. I invite you to
experiences. We have utilized those special discover your own process for exploration and
talents that each of us own. We don’t blindly self-discovery. It’s more than likely that you’ll
believe that what we’re told would be more find an overabundance of joy in your own back

beneficial to society. For myself, that was the yard. Treasure it. It may be what leads you to
main reason I learned to count my blessings. I your greatest adventure.
recognized that I had an overabundance of joy

all around me. I have great support systems in

VOICES! | AUGUST 2021 33