As the first quarter of the year comes to an end and we break for the Easter Holidays, I reflect on what I’ve learnt this far. I started the year unsure of many things. Pen and paper in hand, I started writing – dreams, visions, milestones, structures. Mind fully engrossed, I got busy jotting down everything I wanted for this year to be. However, halfway into it, I stopped. I looked down at my notebook and gasped. A still voice inside me whispered, “Serah, are you sure?” I paused to think – I really wasn’t sure, but I continued to write anyway.
After the writing, came the execution plan. For each dream, vision, milestone and structure, I wrote the month in which I wanted to have completed them by alongside. January came, I executed – achieved. February came, I executed – achieved. March came, I executed – achieved. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not superwoman – Most of my goals scare me, and even over years of practice, I am still learning how to get comfortable doing things afraid if not shaking. I’m always pursuing new challenges. I have this one rule I live by – Get yourself outside the door, and even if you know the destination but have no idea of the way, you will get people along your way who will guide you to your destination.
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Amongst my most scary goals for the month of March were to get into public speaking. For someone who’s probably known me for a while, this may seem like a joke – however, it’s not. The introvert in me greatly fears attention or spotlights on her, and even when I’m doing big things, I always want the light to shine more on the cause I’m promoting as opposed to me as the person doing those things. I have experience working my way around stages that already know who I am before I even speak. However, this time round, the greatest challenge would be working my way around stages that didn’t know who I was before I spoke.
I have never known something more intimidating than introducing myself to an audience that has no idea of who I am prior to my speaking. It doesn’t help matters that for someone who takes on multiple challenges, I always struggle with this one question, “Tell us who you are, and what you do.” My first time experiencing this was October 2023, where I shared my sentiments on how to build a brand as a beginner social media manager on an X Space last year. When nerves come at me, they come at me hard – but guess what? Once that first time is over, and you prove to your brain that you can do it, the next time you do it feels better. And the more you get into the habit of doing that same thing over and over again, the easier it becomes and eventually, feels like child’s play.
This month, I challenged myself to do more – If anything, I had conquered a virtual speaking event last year, and so, I prayed to God to allow me more opportunities to speak in public spaces where no one knew me, partly to challenge my brain, partly to push myself to grow, but mostly for a bigger cause – to impact people with my knowledge, whether that would be social media, personal branding or mentoring young girls. And God did exactly that.
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On 28th February, 2024, a former high school classmate reached out to me on LinkedIn, explained that they were looking for a speaker for a virtual event to speak on Mastering Social Media Management. Hardly 24hrs later, on the 29th of February, 2024, a friend reached out to me on Instagram, and explained that she had an upcoming event, at which she requested my presence to give an in-person talk on Personal Branding. At this time, I was out of the country and going through the most with work. I desperately felt the urge to say no to both, but quick to realize I was almost making decisions out of emotions, and also fear, I put my phone down, took a deep breath, and processed the emotions of overwhelm.
Fighting through fear….
When I fear doing things afraid, I feel a heavy weight pressing down on my chest, squeezing the air out of my lungs. My heart races, pounding against my ribcage like a trapped bird desperate to escape. Each breath feels shallow and strained, as if I’m suffocating under the weight of my fears. My lips often tremble with uncertainty, making even the simplest tasks feel like monumental challenges.
Doubt and self-criticism echoed in my mind, especially when I thought about how I was going to give an in-person talk. I asked myself questions. Was I capable? What if I embarrassed myself? It didn’t help that the other speakers had years upon years of experience in their fields, which in my mind translated to wisdom upon wisdom! I questioned whether I’d really be upto the task.
Yet, amidst the overwhelming fear and doubt, there still was a flicker of determination, a tiny ember of courage that refused to be extinguished. It whispered words of affirmation and encouragement, urging me to to face my fears head-on despite the trembling in my lips and the doubts in my mind.
I then focused on preparation.
Fast forward to the events…
The in-person event happened on Saturday, the 23rd of March, and was I glad I fought through my fears! It’s funny how sometimes, we make giants out of normal things in our heads, while in reality, they are no more than anthills. Walking in glory, favour and Godfidence, I went, I saw and I conquered. The day was perfect. All the ladies I interacted with were such a jolly lot, my glam and social media team were punctual, and my friends came through for me. Aaaah! This was truly the day that The Lord had made!
Have I spoken about the feedback I got from some of the ladies? In the words of Stephanie Wambua, one of my closest friends in attendance, “You were evidently prepared for your session, seen through the flow of pointers. You were respectful and attentive to what the other speaker was mentioning. Appeared composed and confident. I love that it looked coordinated in that you were not repeating points that the other speaker had already mentioned.”
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The virtual event happened on Thursday, the 28th of March, and having conquered the Saturday event, I wasn’t so nervous about this one. Ironically, I’m always more nervous in virtual events than I am in in-person events. This time, however, was different. A calm Sarafina equals a free flowing mind. I gracefully delivered all I had prepared for this session, and then some! Here’s the feedback I got from my classmate, who also doubled up as the event organizer, “Thank you so much for today’s session. It was so informative and value-packed. I really appreciate you for sharing your knowledge and experiences. So grateful!”
PS: I’m open to doing virtual and in-person speaking events in the niches of social media, personal branding, and mentorship to young ladies in high school and campuses. You can reach out to me on any of my social media platforms or email: sarafinanyawira@gmail.com
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Why do you need to do things afraid?
Conquering our fears can be hard, especially when there’s no prior proof of concept. Self doubt is also very normal, and that’s okay. However, it’s also imperative to realize that by letting fear in, growth can never manifest in your life. Fear and growth cannot and will never co-exist. So, when you think about whether to go for that thing that you’ve always wanted, ask yourself, “Do I want to remember myself as the person who feared this dream, or as the person who went for it?” I really hope you choose the latter, and even if it doesn’t work out, atleast you tried. Trying is better than putting no effort at all. Fear is the birthplace of regret. Those fears are only in your head, beloved.
I hope you choose to do more of the things you’ve always wanted to do in 2024.
Do it with fear, do it trembling – Don’t be the one to give up on yourself.
I promise you things will work out❤️
Feel free to absolutely connect with me on my socials via the social links below:
SERA INSPIRE 
Such an informative and inspiring piece Sara! I will absolutely go for it this year, the fear is only in my head and I want to look back and say, I’m glad I chosebto go for it , than let fear lead.
Onwards and upwards! 🎉❤️
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Aaaw, thank you so much for stopping by here Steph, and for the positive feedback. Go for it… 2024 is your year in Jesus’ Name, and I’m so here for it!
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