Recognition

In May, a big group of us from Brunei went to the District 51 Toastmasters Annual Convention that was held in Miri, Malaysia. I have been to a number of Toastmasters conventions over the past number of years I have been a Toastmaster and the best part about attending these conventions consistently is meeting the same people at least twice, three and even four times a year! Even though the conversations are mostly brief, at least there is that moment of connection and because we are there for the same reasons, at least on the surface level, as Toastmasters we all unite together and are one big family.

I made my “appearance” on Friday night for the Welcome Night. I sat at the back of the hall with my Mummy and wandered around looking for familiar Toastmasters. Needless to say, most of them COULD NOT recognize me and had to do a double take! The obvious changes were that I was wearing contact lenses and I was not wearing my tudung (headscarf). I got complimented left and right to which I can only graciously say thank you to their sincere comments. It was a lot of fun having people “guess” who I was and most of them recognized me only when I spoke.

I sat down in front of Gerald Green, DTM, the man who made Toastmasters happen in our part of the world and he almost fell of his chair when I “re-introduced” myself! I was honoured because he introduced me to the VIP table and I got to meet the past International President Johnny Uyy!

The next day, Papa Gerald (as they fondly call him) delivered a keynote speech and I had the shock of my life when he asked me to stand! He described, “This girl last year, I could not put my arms around her, but last night after I met her, I was so shocked to see how much she has slimmed down. Rozana where are you?” I shrank in my chair before people started pointing in my direction and I stood up in a room which was occupied by 500 people! I honestly didn’t know how to feel. I didn’t feel proud of my achievement. I felt embarrassed!

What I didn’t know there and then was that my Mummy starting crying until she told me after the convention. She said for her, she felt so proud for me to be recognized in front of such a large crowd to acknowledge how hard I have worked to get to where I was. After knowing this, I didn’t realize how much an impact I have really made and how anyone can be an inspiration because in this world we are all looking to be inspired, to find that spark that makes it all worthwhile in our endeavours to create our better selves.

The “before” and “after” photo below is a testament to being an inspiration. Siti Intan, a good friend and work colleague began her own weight loss adventure by making simple changes to her diet and she has successfully lost 15kg! It proves to show with determination and discipline ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! We are all beacons of light continuously leading others out of the darkness and into the realm of possibility.

Me, Papa Gerald Green & Siti Intan - Kuching, April 2009

 

Ley Hian, Me & Siti Intan - Miri, May 2010

 

Congratulations Siti Intan on your achievement!

You are my inspiration as much as I am yours!