Diva, Don't do That!!!

Hello Divas! It's been a while since I've blogged, and I'll get into the reasons why later. I've been so busy. I'm still so busy, but I have been inspired. The title of this blog is "Diva, don't do that!" The "that" I am referring to is second guessing yourself, and it's based on an experience I had two days ago.

If you know me, you know that I'm a senior in college and that I'll be graduating in four weeks. *Yay me* So this story begins at the end of my junior year. Last May, one of my professors approached me and asked me to do an honors paper and represent my department in the program. I was very honored that I had been asked. Few receive that honor (in fact, I was the only one from my department this year).

I accepted the offer and proceeded to research and write the paper.

Now, keep in mind, this paper is worth 6 credits (or 2 classes) and is expected to be excellent work. Another requirement of the paper is that the scholar does a presentation for the campus (or whoever decides to show up).

So here it is, April. I've worked on this paper for 2 semesters, and it's time for my presentation (on Friday past). So what happens divas? Thursday night I got SOOOOOO nervous. Not at the fact that I had to present, but at the fact that I had to present last. I was so shaken by the fact that others would go before me and that the panel of judges would have other presentations to compare mine to. I was literally shaking in my boots (althought I actually had on cute sling backs *and pearls* hehe).

I was so shaken by this, I couldn't eat, or sleep. I worked on perfecting my presentation all night long. I don't think I could have been more shaken, which is not like me because public speaking is not something that bothers me at all. I was even afraid to attend the other presentations because I thought they would be so good that it would knock my confidence level down even more.

I complained about this so much. Finally my boyfriend said, "you have to go to the other presentations. Look at your competition. Learn from them, and then do better than them." So, I listened to him, and divas, let me tell you what happened when I got to the presentation room:

I sat and watched the other girls present and they BLEW MY MIND!!! There presentations had NOTHING on me! Not only was my presentation the best, it was the most interesting and easy to understand. I had the audience involved- I made them laugh and think critically about my topic. After it was all over I couldn't believe I was THAT nervous. So from that experience, I've learned this:

NEVER, under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER-ESTIMATE YOURSELF!!!!

Don't even do it divas. First of all, you should build your confidence up so high. Go into these kinds of situations knowing that what you have to offer is the best. And on that note, make sure you PREPARE adequately for such an event. Let your light shine bright in every situation you're in. The only way you can shine, though, is if you are charged up! Prepare like you'll be presenting for God Himself. Here are a few tips that can help you be the best you in any social situation:

1. Go into a business session, or a social setting knowing as much as humanly possible about whatever the topic of conversation will be.
2. Dress appropriately for the occasion, and make sure you are entirely comfortable in what you're wearing. (There's nothing worst than being uncomfortable or under-dressed).
3. Think positive. Being nervous is understandable, but there is no reason to be shaken! Learn from my experience, and "don't do that." Quote scripture, sing songs that make you happy, or call a friend for a joke or funny story. Do whatever you need to do to smile and be positive.
   
4. On that note, recite an affirmation that will help you make it through the situation. For my presentation, I wrote on the top of my presentation notes: "Today will be a good day. I will be full of energy, and my presentation will be GREAT!"- and it worked for me.
5. Beleive you can accomplish ANYTHING with the grace of God on your side. The Lord will never put more on you than you can bare.
   
6. Realize that confidence comes from within. Work on your INNER DIVA (as always), and know that YOU CAN DO IT, no matter what it is. Prepare yourself on the inside, and never let 'em see you sweat on the outside.
7. Finally, think of your nervousness as humility. Yes, it is great to be confident, but you must also be humble. You might have the best presentation, or performance than anyone else, but you don't have to go around telling everyone that. Let your actions speak louder than your words.
   

For a quick recap: Never underestimate yourself. Build your confidence from within. Prepare (as much as possible) for what life will throw at you. And always be humble while doing so.

As a last note, know that whatever the situation may be, it will only be temporary. You might have a bad hour or two, but then you will walk out of it and move forward with your life. Try not to stress too much, and when it's all said and done, praise God for being wonderful and seeing you through!

Until next time: love yourself above all, and continue your journey to diva with grace, truth, and positivity. **Muah, Muah**