10000 is a big number

Last Wednesday, 28 May, I graduated from the Goldman-Sachs GIBS 10000 Women Certificate Programme for Women Entrepeneurs. On top of this, I was asked to address my class, as one of two women chosen to speak. My 'boyfriend' has been telling me I need to start doing speaking for a year now. She is adamant that this is where my calling lies.

I know that the thought of speaking, before last Wednesday, was enough to reduce me to tears. The thought alone. At my 'boyfriend's' instruction I had looked into doing Toastmasters. LAST NOVEMBER. However, I had looked into it and so my conscience was quelled.

In the past few months, I have had so many signs from so many sources, encouraging me to speak. To share my gift, to share my passion and to share myself and my story, with others. So when Misha asked me to address our group, I knew I had no choice. 'Keep it a secret' she warned. So I sat down and feverishly attempted to write a sterling speech.

After dismally failing, on a plane back from Cape Town, I was flooded with the words. They found me.

When the day came, and I was called forward, I stood up, walked to the front (amidst cat calls of 'Benoniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii'!!!!!!!!!!!!) and I spoke. TO my fellow learners. From a place deep inside. And I LOVED IT and I absolutely killed it. Did everybody justice including my mom who happened to be my date for the grad.

A prouder moment I am not sure I have ever had. As I returned to my seat I had a colleague in front of me sobbing her eyes out and THANKING ME for what I said.

On Thursday morning I showed the girls in the office, and I had our Financial Manager crying too!

On Friday I met with another mentor for lunch, and she said to me that she can tell I am not following my true purpose and my true passion.

On Saturday night I met a complete stranger who told me that I need to share me and myself and my gift with the world, with her having no idea what that was or why she was even saying it.

And so today I say, I AM READY UNIVERSE. I am open and I am ready and I want to not just talk about changing the world, I want to be that change.

I am, after all, one of 10000 Women internationally to graduate the Goldman Sachs programme. I am, after all a child of God, as Marianne Williamson tells me. And as my 'boyfriend' constantly reminds me, WHO SAYS SO? Well Jen, I do. And I am ready!

Be kind to one another.