“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives”


“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives”

This line is from The Writing Life by author Annie Dillard.  Whenever I read the line, it causes me to consider how I spend my days, and my life. For many the beginning of a new year causes them to consider in a similar way.

The theme of this blog is Toastmasters, and more broadly personal development.  People sometimes ask me why I continue as a Toastmasters member after thirty-two years ( I joined in 1987).  In many ways the quote from Annie Dillard answers that question.  Toastmasters is about personal development, and predominately communication and leadership skills, although there is so much more in the environment of a Toastmasters club.

I choose to spend much of my time with people working on personal development, predominantly communication and leadership skills, for two main reasons.  First these are skills, and skills require practice.  I enjoy being in an environment that enables me to practice, stretch and discover nuance related to these skills.  Second, I love seeing people develop in our club environments.  Some are confident and capable yet they discover other strengths or opportunities for development. Some are not yet confident or skilled but they develop quite quickly in a supportive Toastmasters club environment

I’m currently working on writing a book.  I knew I didn’t know how to write a book.  As I make progress I further realize I still don’t know how to write a book.  I’m not strong at organizing material, editing, and I have little information, let alone skill, on how to go about formatting and publishing  yet.  But I will develop these skills.

Similarly when it comes to preparing speeches, running a meeting, offering feedback, or receiving feedback, many people lack one or more of these skills.  If you’re interested to develop and practice these skills visit the Find a Club tab at www.toastmasters.org

I’ll continue my Toastmasters membership for the rest of my days.  I hope to see you at a meeting or Toastmasters conference soon. 



Comments

  1. Unknown6 January 2019 at 18:49

    Absolutely super. Your frankness and forthrightness are valued to me. You have really understood the real essence of Toastmaster where leaders are made!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unknown7 January 2019 at 10:48

    Wish you the best on the book . Im sure it will be a very inspirational one to read. Nice blog .. looking Forward to read more..

    ReplyDelete

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