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For Seven Years, I Said No

Every time someone invited me to join Toastmasters, I’d smile politely, thank them, and decline. I wasn’t ready. I was the girl who’d rather fade into the background than hold a microphone. The one who’d rehearse introductions in her head and still hope someone else would speak first.

Deep down, I wanted to grow. I just didn’t believe I could.

Then Something Shifted

But in 2022, something shifted. Maybe it was the stillness of the pandemic. Maybe it was the quiet longing to do more, be more. Maybe I just got tired of being afraid.

Whatever it was, I finally said yes.

And that yes changed everything.

Not Just a Club — A Turning Point

The first time I stood in front of a room to speak, my voice trembled. My hands were cold. But my fellow Toastmasters didn’t look away. They leaned in. They listened. They clapped.

I wasn’t used to that.

What I found wasn’t just a public speaking club — it was a place where people believed in growth, in second chances, in each other. I met mentors who challenged me, clubs that supported me, and fellow members who felt like instant family.

Toastmasters didn’t just help me find my voice. It taught me I had one worth hearing.

If I Only Knew

Sometimes I wonder what would’ve happened if I said yes sooner. If I joined back when DTM Betsie Krueger first invited me — seven years ago.

I would’ve met my mentors earlier. I would’ve grown faster. I would’ve entered contests, failed a little, learned a lot. I would’ve built the confidence I thought only “naturally good” speakers had.

But here’s the thing: I wasn’t ready then.

I needed to go through the journey of finding my “yes” on my own terms. And when I finally did, everything started unfolding.

“Say yes scared. Say yes unsure. Say yes anyway.”

One Yes Opens Another

After joining, I didn’t stop. I said yes to speech contests. I said yes to club roles. I said yes to coaching others, even when I doubted if I had anything to offer.

Each yes made me braver.

Before last year’s District run-off for the International Speech Contest, DTM Betsie messaged me something I still hold close:

“Yours is the only voice to tell your story and inspire others with it. Enjoy and trust in yourself.”

That line still gives me chills. Because it reminded me: No one else can live your story. No one else can share it the way you can.

From “Maybe Later” to “Let’s Go”

Saying yes wasn’t about suddenly becoming fearless. It was about deciding that fear wouldn’t be the one making my choices anymore.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Maybe one day, I’ll try…” — let this be your sign.

Say yes scared. Say yes unsure. Say yes anyway.

Because the growth is waiting. The mentors are waiting. The stronger, more confident version of you? She’s waiting too.

All you have to do is start.

Keep going,
Sheryl

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Reflection Prompt

What is one thing you’ve been afraid to say yes to? What could be waiting for you on the other side?

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A Note From Me to You

Hi, thank you for reading this.
For years, I let fear decide for me. I told myself I wasn’t ready, that other people were braver, more qualified, more “meant” for the spotlight. But saying yes — even when I was unsure, even when my voice shook — became the start of something I didn’t know I was capable of.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re not enough yet, or that your voice doesn’t matter, I want you to know:
You don’t have to be fearless to begin.
You just have to be willing.
Start with one small yes.
Say it scared. Say it quietly. Say it anyway.
The confidence will come. The growth will come.
Your voice? It’s already worth hearing.
We’re in this together — one brave yes at a time.