I just came across a recording of a speech I gave at a holiday party several years ago. And it just warmed my heart and I wanted to share it with you all today… Sending love and warmth this Holiday Season…

A few years ago I put on my high heels and red lipstick to go to a fancy holiday party at a beautiful home in Northern California.

However, it wasn't any normal holiday party. It was a Toastmasters party, a public speaking group that I had been a part of that year. Three people were prepared to give a speech that night, and I was one of them. After much practicing in the backfield of my home, I felt ready. I was excited as I put on my jewelry and curled my hair, I reflected back on how much I had grown that year.

I remembered standing terrified, looking out at the audience. At a podium in front of 30 or 40 people, the first time I stood up to speak in front of this group, despite the fear of that first moment, I knew I was ready to grow, ready to face the fear, and over that year I really did. Public speaking has become more and more familiar, and through putting myself on center stage, I learned so much about the craft of captivating an audience.

I realized that there was a girl inside of me that was ready to be seen, to be heard, to really stand up and share her voice. I was encouraged every step of the way by this amazing group of people of all ages and all walks of life. I delivered this speech, which is called The Gifts of Giving, um, at the party that night, and I was on a total high.

I didn't realize at the time that my husband had recorded the whole thing on my phone as a voice memo, so I'm able to share it with you today. I realized this magical story of giving and receiving could be inspiring for you to break free from scarcity and believe in the beauty, magic, and abundance all around you.

So here I am sharing it. It's just eight minutes long. I hope you're able to take some time to tune in. Listen, enjoy.

With Love,

Meredith

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