During school days, even though I was not shy I was kind off an introvert. I was not noticed as I never scored high grades nor was good in sports and I hardly participated in any extra curricular activities.
The first time I participated in an 'Pick and Speak' competition, I picked my chit which said "Two sides of a coin". I was in 7th grade and still couldn't manage to think of anything related. I went on the stage and said " My today's topic is Two sides of a coin, My todays topic is two sides of a coin. A coin always has only two faces and two sides ...ummm... a a a... ... Thank you".
Obviously for next few days, I became the laughing stock of my class.
Every time I tried to believe in myself, there were many factors which let me down. After living a life of an introvert through my school days, I began to break the myth of disbelief that surrounded me. I began to look past the insecurities and started believing in myself.
It didn't happen overnight, it didn't come naturally to me, it involved a conscious effort. I started concentrating more on my strengths and ignored the weak points which pulled me down and in no way was my fault.
Yes the same me is labelled as an 'Extrovert' today. The laughing stock is now invited to judge
'Public Speaking' events and give Guest Lectures in Universities. Well, I can manage playing Badminton but honestly still a Loser when it comes to sports :)
Interesting transformation. Good to see after all your traumatic chidhood experiences, finally things turned out well for you.
ReplyDeleteLovely! I'm so happy for you. The last para was the highlight! Rise like a phoenix, baby! :)
ReplyDeleteShalzzz|Loving Life
Check out my latest at Tale of Two Tomatoes
And yes, if the pic is yours- you are gorgeous, young lady! :)
ReplyDeleteShalzzz|Loving Life
Check out my latest at Tale of Two Tomatoes
Thank you, its me, 4 years back !
DeleteStrengths and weaknesses are within us ... It depends on us as to what we want to showcase ... This post surely is an inspiration for many :-)
ReplyDeleteYou won't believe me but when I was in the 7th standard I went up to stage to debate and I just managed to say my name that's all... I just couldn't speak but now even if I fear I can speak...
ReplyDeleteLatest A2Z Challenge Post-Random Thoughts Naba
So happy for you....I know when you are an introvert, your confidence level goes down totally...I have been extrovert from the beginning :P..all of us are such different personalities, aren't we?
ReplyDeleteThat is what life has taught you.. Lovely transition from introvert to extrovert! :) All the best!
ReplyDeleteNice one, Ananya. You've found your happy place, obviously. I don't think labels matter so long as you are comfortable being you. :) The insecurities are a part of growing up and finding or establishing your own identity.
ReplyDeletethat was a very good transformation! happy for u :) trust me, i can relate with this! i go blank as soon as i go on stage! evn nw! n d pic, its beaaaauutiful <3
ReplyDeleteGood you wanted to change for the better.
ReplyDeleteI think many among us here have faced something of this kind during our school days . It's good to know you have overcome your insecurities :) Even I was a big introvert in school and now I am completely opposite :) Good to see your pic ....it's beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteThe more I read about you the more I realize that we so much in common. I am painfully shy so much that if you introduce me to a new person it would take me at least an hour to just get to a Hi :) But yes, I am trying to open up too and meet new people. You look so beautiful in that snap, girl :)
ReplyDeleteLovely. You look great. And that's a great positive transition. :)
ReplyDeleteLovely pic!!! You look gorgeous!!! Did I mention? You are a strong woman!
ReplyDelete~S(t)ri
Participant|AtoZ Challenge 2014
Smile, it makes (y)our day!
That public speaking exercise seems designed to serve up school kids to ridicule. That's not just public speaking - it's extemporaneous speaking, which is ten times harder. But you seem to have been inspired and became great at it, so it all worked out. :)
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Lexa Cain’s Blog
Thanks for the follow ! I am glad that you like what I write !
DeleteGlad you found it within yourself to transform yourself. 3 cheers to you Ananya!
ReplyDeleteI was an introvert till my 10th :D. To such an extent I never could talk to people at all
ReplyDeletePhenoMenon
http://throodalookingglass.com/2014/04/impressive-performances/
Even i was quite an introvert in school, same people when they meet me now say "isse kya hua?"
ReplyDeleteThey say forget about working on your weakness, play to your strengths! And you proved it right! Glad that with conscious efforts you were able to transform yourself. And that's a very pretty you! :)
ReplyDeleteGood to know that U came out of the shell and ur invited even for guest lectures :) that is so cool. More power to u
ReplyDeletewow thats indeeded a gr8 transformation :) and u look so beautiful in the pic <3 ^_^
ReplyDeleteHappens to most of us ,its called stage fright also. Nice transformation you had! And your picture is so pretty Ananya(unique)!
ReplyDeleteThat the power of the beautiful mind .. it can transform anything or anyone.. :)
ReplyDeletethree cheers to your spirit... it takes a lot of courage and self belief to convert a weakness into a strength and by doing it you have proved to yourself and others what you are made of!!! keep rocking!!
ReplyDeleteConfidence shines through !
ReplyDeleteAnanya growing up I was somewhat similar to you. I was a nerd and would often be in the spotlight because of my marks but even then I never knew what to do with the spotlight and would happily walk away. It tool me years to really discover who I am, to be truly happy in my discovery. Even now I am an ambivert. :)
ReplyDeleteI really like your spirit, Ananya! So full of courage and conquering your fears and insecurities. So admirable, and inspiring! Keep it up. And that kind of impromptu speaking events in schools are often so silly anyway, if you ask me :)
ReplyDeleteBeauty Interprets, Expresses, Manifests the Eternal
Your appreciation means a lot, thank you!
DeleteWonderful transformation...childhood traumas either make you or mar you, good to see you didn't let them define you.
ReplyDeleteI love that silhouette picture of yours. Your story is so inspiring, I love reading it everyday ...
ReplyDeleteA little details and few examples about how you overcame your shortcomings could have inspired many introverts who are not conductive to counselling. Please write about it next time. Your story shall help many.
ReplyDeleteI can try, not sure what to write about exactly.
DeleteThanks !
Incredible transformation :) n that's a beautiful pic!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I think we all have traumatic school memories which we all want to forget, but you took it in stride. :) Great job!
ReplyDeleteI'm the exact opposite of you, i was always labelled an extrovert but only knew how much hardwork it was to maintain that status, one day i just got up and decided that I wouldn't be bothered by how I was perceived, if i don't like to mix with people, I won't. I just won't. I feel better now. I'm still into public speaking and until very recently my job included talking to 100 people at one time.
ReplyDeleteThe 2 AM Writer
It surprises me how many of my school mates from 3 decades ago still remember. Strangely, I was in every Elocution, Debate, Quiz contest and was still considered an introvert. I have never had any issues in speaking publicly and have conducted many professional speaking engagements.
ReplyDeleteAnd some people still say I'm an introvert. I don't go by what any one says anymore. I am whatever I am. Confident in somethings, not so confident in others.
Wow! That is awesome! You really came out strong on the other side. Congratulations for believing in yourself and for such a transformation!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for the sweet comments and compliments :)
ReplyDeleteI feel so happy today ! yayyy !
Gorgeous photo! And great attitude! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an about turn! I am sure you feel amazing about yourself now.
ReplyDeleteThat's quite a welcome change, eh? :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a great transformation...and it's so doable, isn't it? I am experiencing a similar one in the last year... :)
ReplyDeleteSo much similar Ananya... I too had a similar life... and yes the journey is marked by many moments, many laughing stock ones too..
ReplyDeleteRicha
Introvert/Extrovert are two sides of a coin... you are that coin... :)
ReplyDeleteAmritt
Love this one !
DeleteThanks Amrit !
Great Inspirational Post !! Even I was an Introvert in school and became an Extrovert in senior college. For self improvement we do have to change with time. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pic, Ananya ! :)
ReplyDeleteI loved the honesty with which you've written about the speech incident. Happy that it didnt deter you from further progress in life :)
Wonderful transformation for the better, Ananya! Keep it up! :)
ReplyDeleteEven i was an introvert during my school days and speaking in front of class gave me jitters.. but gradually that changed in my college days and I participated in a lot of debates, gradually shedding my introvert image. You are right it's not easy.. by the way I really love your pic :*
ReplyDeleteYour speech was still good... :)
ReplyDeleteWow.....super post Ananya....U look so pretty! :D When we work on our weaknesses they become our stengths! & hey- weaknesses n strengths are 2 sides of the same coin! :D
ReplyDeleteGood one Ananya! I could relate to your post!
ReplyDeleteI am kind of okay at public speaking too. Though I still get butterflies in stomach, I end up doing a decent job. My first time was when I was a 7 year old and participated in a Elocution competition. I had memorized a script and I went on to the stage and said "Good Morning" - stood there for entire 2 mins, looking at the crowd. When the time got over, I said "Thank you" and got back. Since then, I have never left an opportunity to get on to stage. I still get nervous but I love being there! :)
INspiring post !!
ReplyDeleteits d same story for me too i was painfully shy person and even right now i am one and this sucks.i so want to break free.
ReplyDeletebtw you are very pretty!!!
Ahh salute the transition :)
ReplyDeletelove your spirit..great going girl!! :)
ReplyDeletelove your spirit..great going girl!! :)
ReplyDeleteNice post.
ReplyDelete