Have you ever gone somewhere and thought that you might be in a wrong place?
I had this strange feeling on Saturday.
A month ago I saw on Facebook an invitation to a conference called "Women - creators of more balanced society." It sounded good, had a charity purpose and the speakers were fascinating. I signed up, payed the fees and got a welcoming letter.
On Saturday when I got to the venue I felt completely out of place at first. The women who arrived seemed to know each other, their dresses and shoes were like from a fashion magazine, their makeup and hair spoke of hours of preparation, several of them wore similar brooches. I was greeted kindly and directed to a hall filled with round tables covered with white table cloths.
I sat down. People filing in sat in groups. For along time I sat alone.
I kept myself busy browsing the materials on the table. I finally understood why it felt strange for me to be there. Ladies Circle Estonia had organized the conference and majority of the people attending belonged to this club. I felt like an intruder. I feared someone would walk up to me and after exposing me escort me out.
Was it possible that the event wasn't meant for public?
I calmed when I reasoned that they wouldn't have sent me a welcome letter had it been a mistake that their FB invitation was an accident. Besides it was a charity event and I had contributed.
Finally some people sat at my table.
When the conference started I relaxed fully.
The speakers shared their stories of successes, failures, lessons and choices.
During a panel the discussion focused on how to empower women more.
Some of the ideas from the day:
I was on were I was supposed to be on this Saturday.
- You have to take care of yourself before you can do anything else
- Be confident
- Let your heart guide you
- You know what you need
- Don't sell yourself short
- Making mistakes is fine
- Ask for help
- No need to live up to some imaginary standards set by media
- Try to think in terms of people not categories of men and women
- Set a good example of speaking and treating people fairly
- You have heard the idea that you have to keep up with everything or you'll miss the train. Think for a moment: what train? where is it going? who is driving it? why would you want to catch this train? There is no train. Live your life.
I was on were I was supposed to be on this Saturday.
It is difficult going to a place where it looks as if you do not fit. I'm so glad you stayed. Looks are deceiving. I had a similar experience this Saturday. Embracing the discomfort of new sometimes we find out it really isn't either!
ReplyDeleteI know that exact feeling! My husband and I went to a movie event at our local theater that was a fund raiser for an outdoor group. At first it felt fine but at one point it became an homage to a climber who had died in the past year. Suddenly we realized that we were the only ones there who didn't know the man personally. It was so awkward. But turned out to be a moving and beautiful evening of celebrating his life. We were glad we go to know him from those who did.
ReplyDeleteIt's not easy putting yourself out there, but it's worth it. It sounds like it ended up being a great experience. I'm glad you got to attend. The lessons you learned certainly sound important!
ReplyDeleteSerendipity happens, it seems. And though you were unsure at the beginning, it appears that this was worth the day. It's nice to be in a group that's new, to see what's going on outside the education world. Thanks for sharing those wise words at the end, Terje.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to feel out of place.It seems that things worked out well after all.
ReplyDeleteOh, I know that feeling. I'm glad that your day turned out so well, though. And I love your takeaways. I do believe you were meant to be there just so you could share your learning with us.
ReplyDeleteI have done the same thing, but it sounds like it turned out great! The take-aways seem very empowering. So glad you ended up getting something out of it.
ReplyDeleteKudos to you for waiting and be ready to accept the day...and you were so well rewarded!
ReplyDeleteYou are so brave! I don't know that I would have even thought to go! I love the stories you tell with so much honesty ... and I'm thrilled you were exactly in the right place at the right time. Sounds like you could have given a couple of those inspiring speeches as well!
ReplyDeleteSometimes when we hang in there through the hard part it all works out for the better. I think I would have wanted to run, but I love the way you reasoned out staying. Thank you for sharing all of your takeaways. I'm glad to know I can stop waiting on the train. ;o)
ReplyDeleteYou were brave.
ReplyDelete