I recently had the opportunity to speak on my very first panel alongside other community bloggers and influencers—and it was amazing!
When Heather from Heather Lane Events reached out to me to see if I would like to speak, my first instinct was to say no, because this was way outside my comfort zone. Speaking in public and being in the spotlight is not my favorite thing, and I wondered if I really had anything of value to offer as far as being an “influencer” goes. But then I told myself to get over my silly fears and insecurities and to take the leap, and I’m so glad I did.
I feel like I’m a very “shy extrovert,” if there is such a thing. I love being social and doing group things but I do not love being the center of attention, and a lot of the times I’ll just laugh in the background rather than leading group conversations. Anyone else out there feel me on this one?
However, I do not want any of my doubts and insecurities to ever hold me back from doing something, especially something positive like this—so here’s my secret.
Whenever I find myself feeling this way, I tell myself “fake it till you make it” and it works (almost) every time. If I can at least make myself *pretend* and appear to be confident and go for things—it usually ends up that I am confident. Try it next time you are feeling nervous or scared.
I also thought it would be fun to share some of my questions and answers from the panel. Head over to my Instagram and check out my story highlight “Q+A” to learn more about me, my Instagram account, and how my love and passion for fitness started.
Thank you to Heather Lane Events, 28 Event Space, and The Bubble Tap Trailer KC for an incredible night, and thank you to all the other amazing women who spoke and attended the event. I feel so grateful to be a part of this uplifting community of strong, intelligent, and driven group of women. And an extra big thanks to everyone on here that follows along on my fitness and motherhood journey—your constant support means more to me than you’ll ever know.
Follow Cara Hannawald @carasfitcode
