[sylvie]

i am SO proud of myself today, for going - for stepping up to that podium, and delivering a speech to 9 women, 6 case managers & some friends and family of the graduates, who completed a self - esteem course and were graduating today - the same course i completed back in 2008... i can't even describe how that made me feel, but can say that i free talked it, and talked from the heart, and i am touched they indeed felt hope and inspiration to begin a journey of their own ...

this is my passion, to pay it forward.. And this was my first step.. proud of myself, but damn i am proud of THEM, 9 women i've never met (cept one) who shared the challenges and their testimonials & i want this so badly for them.. They, in turn, inspired ME - their courage, their determination and love for one another after spending 6 weeks (3 hours a day, 5 days a week) in a classroom together..

Meeting with the Instructor for lunch on Monday, she's very much involved in the things i am passionate about (women in poverty, self esteem, addictions...etc) She has big plans and i'm excited to meet with her!

It means a lot to me, that as i am walking my journey, i feel i can do something good with how far i've come so far.. Paying it forward is the most rewarding experience and this newfound confidence of mine, kicks some serious hiney - because if someone told me i would be walking up to a podium and delivering a speech to a room full of onlookers a year ago - i wouldn't have believed it..

It just feels damn good.