by Krystal Besaw, Division E Director
With the summer sun shining and Summit planning in full swing, I am struck by the realization that my year as a Division Director is coming to an end. While so much has changed over the last year, one constant that remains is my belief in the positive benefits of Toastmasters. I have never been prouder to belong to a community of lifelong learners united by the goal of becoming better communicators and leaders.
It was at the D25 Leadership Retreat a year ago that I realized I was about to embark on an adventure with my fellow district leaders. Even with our own paths and unique goals, we shared a commitment to the Toastmasters’ mission and a conviction to address the shifting needs of our members.
Pulling together to meet these challenges, I witnessed new members answering the call to take on district service. I have seen veteran members gaining a fresh perspective by offering mentorship to those early in their journey. This support has impacted my view of what true leadership looks and feels like to others, something that has challenged me in interesting ways.
Some see change as a negative or unnecessary thing, but I believe this often comes from a place of fear. Whether it is the fear of the unknown, the fear of being left out, or the fear of failure, I recommend leaning into that discomfort. Once we learn that having “growing pains” simply means being comfortable with being uncomfortable, it is easier to see we are one step closer to reaching our potential.
My goals have taken on new dimensions since joining Toastmasters, developing as I have expanded my skills beyond what I thought possible. It’s not surprising, really. Aspirations tend to grow to meet the size of the challenges undertaken, making what was once something seemingly out of reach a catalyst to aim even higher.
My lesson learned: welcome every opportunity to grow and improve, even if it hurts along the way. It won’t be easy. Things worth doing rarely are, but they will be meaningful and change you for the better. So, to my fellow Toasties – current and future – embrace the changes happening and those yet to come because where each road diverges, a wondrous new path may be forged.
