Page 17 - October 2020 Voices

My journey was truly happenstance. I joined the club meeting, thought about the position. I
Milwaukie Talkies in April 2014, and became called Kathleen, “I will take this journey on if

an Area Director in August of 2015. I remember you are willing to mentor me.” She did and that
attending my first Toastmasters Leadership was the beginning of a beautiful friendship and
Institute (TLI) training in June of 2015. There in my Toastmasters leadership journey.
a VP Membership training, I was asked by then Own It and Grow From It! By saying ‘Yes’

incoming Division E Director Kathleen Tully to becoming a Club VP Membership, my
if I would be interested in serving as an Area Leadership path opened up. Like many, I was
Director. Who? What? I did not have any idea reluctant, but I said “Yes.” The power of YES is
what that was about, so I said tentatively: “Yes, I Transformational. Say Yes and the world opens

will think about it and will get back to you.” I was up to you! Pieces come together in a Symphony
sure I just said that to be polite and forgot about of Synchronicity! (SOS)
it after leaving the training. Six weeks or so later An SOS is considered a cry for help in one way.
I attended a Division E Make-Up Training. I did In our way it brings all the necessary elements

not need the training for credit, but wanted to together and provides the help and assistance to
learn more. There, I saw Kathleen again. After transform and grow you and, in turn, transform
the training, she again asked about the position. and grow your club and Toastmasters!
I was asked if I were interested as they were still The next “Yes” was to become an Area

looking for an Area Director. I mumbled . . . Director. By regularly visiting the clubs assigned
“I’ll think about it some more.” Perhaps I did to me, I met so many Toastmasters. From this,
or perhaps I was again being polite. I didn’t I learned how to assist individuals and clubs
think about it until several weeks later in my and be a resource and share ideas and support

club meeting. The Club President said: “We still challenged clubs.
don’t have an Area 65 Director.” Three knocks By saying “Yes,” I became a Division
on my door . . . The Universe is clearly wanting Director. I learned how to be creative, positive
me to take on this journey. I came home after and encouraging as I worked with a team of

VOICES! | OCTOBER 2020 17