“Shine Your Light and Lead the Way”
Wow, I accomplished a big goal! I am a Distinguished Toastmaster! I would like to give thanks to God for giving me the strength and mindset to do this. I would also like to give thanks to my family, friends, and my fellow Toastmasters because your belief in me made this possible.
I shine my light by staying focused and generating positive thoughts. When I felt like I was falling down a rabbit hole of despair, I would say to myself, “I CAN DO THIS.” I would say, “Do not give up on yourself because God does not give up on you.” Those words became very powerful to me, and keeping them constantly in mind is how I forged a path to becoming a Distinguished Toastmaster.
I generated positive thoughts by praying, singing, and exercising. I became so enthusiastic about this that I told everyone I encountered. Since the pandemic, I have been teleworking and meeting my coworkers and customers through Zoom and conference calls. During the meetings, they could clearly see or sense the positive energy I was presenting. They would say to me, “I like the vibe you are presenting, being full of energy and positivity.” That would give me the opportunity to tell them why I was so upbeat and dynamic. I can finally say now that I dreamed this and I achieved it.
I have been a Toastmaster since 2017 and it is so great to have achieved my third DTM this year. My Toastmasters journey has been fast pace, exciting, and challenging, but lots of fun through it all.
Each year, I set new goals for myself and with my goals in focus and with the help of God, I vigorously pursue Pathways with a passion. I 100% love Toastmasters and am committed to the program because I see the value in. Like with anything you say you love, you’ll embrace it, make time for it and pour everything you have into it without waning because the payoff is very rewarding.
My light has been shinning throughout my Toastmasters experience in many different ways. Over the years I have taken on many club officers positions, club meeting roles and District Leadership roles. This year my pace has slowed a bit, but my commitment, passion and zeal remains high.
I continue to challenge myself in growing and learning without settling for the status quo. I believe we can all go as far as we want to in life, if we take the limitation off by dropping the excuses as to why we can’t or don’t.
I am currently the president of a recently chartered Advanced Toastmasters club known as A.L.O.A (Another Level Online Advanced) Toastmasters Club. This club allows everyone’s light to shine because we take added steps to continue to grow beyond our achievements of DTM.
During the past two years, it has been difficult to figure out what our new normal looks like. Being a Toastmaster during this time has allowed for a bit of normalcy. Getting the opportunity to see via Zoom the friends I have made in the Wild and Wonderful Toastmasters is a bit of normalcy.
Without the support of my fellow Wild and Wonderful Toastmasters, I would never have been able to achieve my DTM in June, 2021. I truly believe that this DTM belongs to all of us. We have worked together as a team to “Shine Our Light” for one another and make sure that all of us can succeed in our Toastmaster goals. I saw the leadership of our team while I was working on my project. Every member supported me in some way and made sure I never gave up.
The Wild and Wonderful Toastmasters share the philosophy of leading the way for every member. I have been involved in many groups and teams throughout my career, but I have to say this group of people is one of the best I have had the honor to work with. They make me shine a little brighter everyday and help me become a better leader for my people. I can’t wait to see where we go and what we do together next.
If I can do it, You can do it!
Toastmasters International has awarded me a Distinguished Toastmasters Award through District 18. Some of you may know me, as I have been a member of District 18 for the last 6 years. During the journey as a member of TI, District 18 has helped me to blossom in my leadership by giving many opportunities as Club President, Area Director, Division Director, Club Sponsor, Club Mentor and Club Coach.
District 18 Leaders encouraged and helped me to achieve many roles and goals, and they felt happy whenever I did something good. They supported me by giving many roles like Pathways Guide. Whenever I am ready to step up, they provided me with opportunities. . We, as the members of the District 18 will support other members to achieve their dream, We help others by bringing out of their darkness by supporting them. I would strongly urge everyone of you to take the opportunities provided by District 18. District 18 is there to support you when needed.
District 18 developed me as a Mentor and I started mentoring many students. Some of my friends ask me, Kannan “How do you do it?” I humbly say that my mentors in District 18 helped me to acquire this skill. They provided the opportunities by showing their light and bringing out of my darkness. Because of this, I trusted myself and I started helping others. I would like to do the same thing that the District 18 did for me. I want to support other members, who are interested to grow. Trust yourself, Trust your capabilities, Trust your achievements. If you want to achieve, you can dream big and achieve. If I can do it, you can do it.
All the best!
