Out of your comfort zone is a great place to be.

Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to speak in front of an awesome group of 40 women — and it changed me.

I remember the moment I opened the email which invited me to speak at the seminar — as a nutrition coach and woman who believes in empowering other women. Seems like a great opportunity right!?

I immediately started my list of reasons why I should say no: I work that day, what if it’s too rushed to get there, what if they won’t want to hear from me, what if someone else would do a better job or be a better fit?

It’s crazy right? How we jump to that list before we uncover the reasons why WE SHOULD do something that initially seems scary or uncomfortable. We are programmed this way, I believe this to be true. We are afraid to fail so we are quick to avoid a situation that may leave us vulnerable.

So I said “yes, I’ll do it!” before I had time to back out. I kept focused on how fortunate I was to have been asked in the first place, and how tackling my fear of public speaking may just set me free of some serious doubt I’d had about my abilities. Note: imposter syndrome is a real thing.

May 6th, 2019 came along and let me tell you what happened. I was greeted with open arms by a room full of amazing women who decided to carve out some space for themselves for the evening. To talk about health, wellness, and giving ourselves a break.

I listened to myself speak with more ease than I ever thought possible, I went outside the lines, ‘off paper’ and past my time limit. 🤣

I started realizing that my passion for working with women specifically is stronger than I knew it to be, and that my own reasons for embarking on this journey are rooted deeper than I gave them credit for.

All of this happened because I took a chance, because I didn’t run away this time. And because 40 amazing women created a safe space for me to land.

Thank you to each and every one of you for showing up for me, and allowing me to share with you and learn even more about myself.

That night was a turning point for me as a coach, and I promise to keep growing because of it. 💜

To stepping outside of the lines,

Ash.