tedx talk: being open to 'yes

Being open to yes

Catriona Pollard

I was shy as a child. I can still be very introverted.

And when you are like that often you are not seen or heard.

I know first-hand what it’s like in the shadows. You are not illuminated, you

are not in the spotlight. And so many of us struggle with this. Whether it’s at

work, at home or just generally in our lives.

Often only the extroverted or the loudest people get to tell their stories and have

the opportunity to stand in the spotlight...

I think we should redefine what being in the spotlight means for each of us.

For me the spotlight is a privilege and a responsibility. And it’s not just for the loudest or

the most controversial – it’s where people who are extroverted, introverted or in

between can find their voice and share authentic stories.

It took a long time for me to understand I wanted to move from the shadows into the

spotlight, but in my own way and it all started with one word.

And that word was yes.

I wanted to find my voice and connect with my

purpose. I wanted to say YES. But I just didn’t think I

could do it.

When I finally stepped into the spotlight I realised that I deserved to be there. I

wanted my voice to carry across the room into the hearts and minds of the audience.

What I had to say could do so many wonderful things for so many people.

Who was I not to stand in the spotlight? Who was I not to share expert information? Who

was I not to have a voice?

I realised my voice had always been there. I just finally gave myself permission to

speak.

Saying that first yes was like letting the genie out of the bottle. That first yes was

the first of many yeses that are full of magic and wonder. Since then I have accepted

speaking invitations around the world and have just had my first book published - From

Unknown To Expert.

Connecting with you why What is your deeper purpose? It takes courage to be truly seen

and heard. And while we might want to have a desire to move into

the spotlight, I believe it needs to have purpose. It’s about letting our

self-limiting beliefs collapse around us and ask the larger question of

why?

I believe it’s not about literary being in the spotlight, it’s about

synergy and connections that you create when you are there.

I believe we all have stories to tell that will help others in some way. As soon

as I realised that stepping into the spotlight wasn’t as me, it was about you,

and what you take away from hearing my voice, it really helped me because I

was being of service.

Moving into the spotlight is not about being someone you’re not.

Either is it about changing your personality. It’s about allowing your

true self to emerge from the shadows and being illuminated.

Believe in your stories

We live in a world where are encouraged to compare ourselves to others. As soon

as we do this, we start living smaller lives. You need to know your life is

beautiful and precious. We need to have the confidence to know our stories are

valid, not matter how big or small.

Being open to yes

Who are you not to shine your light? Who are you not to have a voice? Who

are you not to make the world a better place? It’s not about becoming

louder, it’s about becoming bolder. It’s about being open to yes.