Volunteering at TEDx
For a while now I have wanted to carry out a TEDx talk, although this was not always the case, I admired those that took to the stage at these huge events but always felt too nervous to take the plunge and do one myself.
However, this change over the last year as I thought about the assistance I could give to others from the stage to help them off the path to burnout. I started to think that by not taking to the stage at a TEDx event I would be holding back on helping others understand they are not alone if they are having a ‘wobble da, week or month’ so decision made I started to do some research.
The research led me back to a place where I lived for many years, Kingston upon Thames in Surrey. Having been back to Kingston to stay with my cousins and meet up with old friends (see latest well-being blog) I decided this was the place I needed to step onto that red mat to carry out my TEDx talk.
Having signed up for the organisers newsletter I was notified when the next talk would be, January 2024! I immediately hopped over to the website and filled in the application; however, I made a faux pas in that in my excitement I didn’t read all the details so missed the vital text I needed to add. I was so upset when I realised I had done this as I was so geared up to wanting to be at the TEDx event to carry out my talk.
Having realised my error I pondered whether to go to the event anyway to get a feel of what it would be like, maybe see if there was an opportunity to meet up with the organisers and / or speakers and generally just drink in all the energy etc. of a TEDx day.
Whilst I was in the process of this deliberation, I was notified that the organisers were looking for volunteers to assist on the day; well, I bet you can guess what I did next. Yep, I applied and I was beyond chuffed to be offered the role as volunteer front of house manager. What a manifestation that turned out to be.
It turned out to be an absolutely fabulous day and a positive, uplifting experience that I was thrilled to be part of. The speakers were amazing, look out for them when their talks go live, you can do this by visiting the Kington Upon Thames TEDx site in a couple of weeks where you should be able to catch the recordings.
I totally embraced the day, indeed I got to meet the speakers and worked alongside the organisers who I am now linked with. It is still my hope that in 2026 when they hold their next event, I will indeed be on that red mat delivering my talk and not just taking to the stage as a volunteer.
Daring to dream can indeed bring amazing results – I hope it does for you too, if not why not give it go and see if with belief and inspired action you can turn that dream into a reality.
