A Podcast-Inspired Reflection

Hi,

I was listening to a podcast while I was running the other day, and it reminded me that I haven't given you an update on my machine. Well, it's back from its little vacation! Turns out it just needed some serious TLC, no actual repairs needed. And the best part? It only cost me RM150. The same guy from Fitness Concept came out, just like a couple of years ago when it was still under warranty. 

So, back to the podcast! They were chatting about how we get nervous before big things in life. And guess what? A little bit of nerves can actually be a good thing! It shows that you care, right? Like, you're putting your heart into it and want it to go well.  It's like your body's way of saying, "Hey, this is important, let's focus!" And sometimes, that little push of nervous energy can even help us perform better. And that... resonates with me so much.

And you know what's even cooler? If you still care about something after all these years, like, it's in your blood, it means you genuinely love it.  It becomes a part of you.  And because of that, you always want to give it your all, even if you've done it a million times before. You just can't help but try to make it the best it can be. You pour your heart into every detail, no matter how small, because you know it all adds up.😊

Now, where was I? Oh, the podcast! Okay, they were talking about a musician, actually. Someone who'd been playing the violin since they were tiny, practically a part of their DNA. But even after all these years, before every performance, that familiar flutter would return. It wasn't fear, exactly. More like… anticipation? It was their love for the music, bubbling up and demanding to be heard.

So, it got me thinking about something I really relate to as an academic. When they were talking about how we get nervous before big moments, and it really hit home. Like, before a conference presentation, or leading a big event, or even just teaching a new class, I still get those butterflies.🦋It's funny, because you'd think after doing this for a while, it would go away. Doesn't quite work that way for me. My stomach does the butterfly dance every time.😅

But what the podcast pointed out, which I thought was spot on, is that being nervous isn't necessarily a bad thing. Turns out, it can be a positive! And honestly, I think that's kind of beautiful. It reminds us that we're human, and we care deeply about the things we do. It can even give you an extra boost of adrenaline, help you focus and exert your best efforts.

My all-time favourite.

Blooming flowers are delicate and fragile (representing the nervous stage).

But it symbolizes growth, potential, and the blossoming of something beautiful.

And that, is where my head's at today. From elliptical to tulips, podcasts to presentations, it all comes down to passion. Caring. Putting your heart into what you do. And sometimes, that means embracing the butterflies. Now, I'm going to go listen to another one, not running this time. 😁