Butterflies

As I sit in the desk, I feel cold and I can't sit still. I am waiting. Waiting for the judge to be ready, and the round to start. I feel this weird feeling in the pit of my stomach, but I can't place the feeling. Deep inside, I know it is those nervous butterflies fluttering around in my stomach. I know I am nervous, but I don't want to admit it because I want to be confident. I feel my adrenaline pumping, boosting my energy and allowing me to succeed. The funny thing is, before I wasn't nervous at all. I knew I  could do it, but I the feeling was overwhelming me as I sat there waiting. I keep telling myself to stop. Breathe in, breathe out. Why is it public speaking makes you so nervous?  What is it about a spotlight that causes that feeling of uneasiness to course through your body? 

As I watch others perform and do an incredible job I think, "Wow, they are amazing. I bet they never get nervous."  But they probably do.  Some may get more nervous than others, but we all experience it.  Nervousness can be that feeling that the room got ten times hotter.  Or the need to fiddle with your hands and be shuffling around.  Whatever the feeling is you know it and you know how to embrace it.  The only way I conquer it is by facing it. We may not be able to understand why we get nervous, but don't let that stop you from doing what you love.

Nervousness can seem like a burden, but it is what allows us to succeed. It gives us the adrenaline to do what frightens us.  Next time you feel nervous realize its importance and embrace those feelings. They can make things possible. Nervousness challenges you to succeed.