Comments | pamhill: Travel

pamhill

Travel

Aug 19, 2009 09:06

Last night I went out to a Meetup Travel group dinner. It was an interesting evening and the topic was Norway and Sweden. I enjoyed the outing but have realized how much my social skills have changed. I used to be able to talk to anyone but now I am more comfortable sitting alone and chatting with whoever comes to sit with me ( Read more... )

Comments 13

jinjre August 19 2009, 13:29:58 UTC

Could it be that you're more comfortable with who you are, and therefore don't feel the need to actively seek out company, but instead are happy to watch people around you and allow them to come to you in their own time?

jinjre August 19 2009, 14:50:58 UTC

Possibly to some extent but I think I have always been more comfortable talking one on one with people. But it definitely has to be with my low self esteem even back then.

I need to find ways to build up my self confidence. There is a contest going on that I have considered entering that works on helping you change who you are. I need to fill it out tonight and move forward with life. :)

pamhill August 19 2009, 14:51:32 UTC

Oops that was me.

popelaksmi August 19 2009, 14:44:10 UTC

Why had you wanted (in the past) to get involved with the Toastmasters' group?

Now that you are a bit more financially stable, would you consider trying it out again?

I think travel and public speaking (though not necesarily together) are two areas that define a good portion of your personality. I can see YOU hosting a Meetup group like that and talking about the travel you've done, with a slide show and answering questions.

pamhill August 19 2009, 14:48:48 UTC

Hmm good question. I had joined Toastmaster hoping that they would help me overcome my insecurities about public speaking. I find they are more about techniques then about building up confidence. Does that make sense?

Last they were asking if anyone wanted to do a presentation in the future and I did mention that I might be interested. Actually I know I would be interested. Last night I was ready to jump in feet first but the after thoughts were different. Maybe I need to send him an email right away saying I would do one before I become too scared to.

vesta_venus August 19 2009, 15:27:33 UTC

my social skills have changed. I used to be able to talk to anyone but now I am more comfortable sitting alone and chatting with whoever comes to sit with me.I don't really see the two thoughts as being mutually exclusive. I am not one to approach strangers unless I'm fulfilling a role at a party (e.g. It's a church function and I am the Youth minister or it's an SCA function and I am chatelaine); however, I like talking to people even new people. I generally let other people approach me unless it is a situation of there is one person who isn't talking with another and they are right close to me ... then I will strike up a conversation ( ... )

pamhill August 19 2009, 16:57:40 UTC

I am comfortable being alone but I know last night the reason I was is because I was too shy to approach others.

All the other tables around me were full so I sat by myself and felt self conscious about it until someone came to sit with me.

I remember when we travelled in 1982. I was sitting on the edge of a mountain writing in my journal and I was upset when people joined me. It was not that I did not want to socialize but that I was enjoying being one with nature.

My bad knee actually drew people to me and they would offer to help me more often because I was limping.

I love going to the movies alone. I have gone and watched up to 4 movies in a day. I don't mind eating alone but I always have a book with me so I can read.

I love the questions as they make me think. :)

chequey August 19 2009, 20:04:43 UTC

I'm not being facetious here, but I've always had problems with the concept of "trying to figure out who you are." I'm not even sure I understand what the words mean (I've always been me, isn't that a given? :). I don't know if that means that I'm just naturally self-aware, or the exact opposite - that I'm oblivious and shallow.

Maybe it's a guy thing. :)

pamhill August 19 2009, 20:21:50 UTC

I am oblivious to certain events around me. I wish I was like that all the time. What others think and say about me really affects me and I wish it did not.

Someone recently asked me if I was aware that people like who I am. My answer was no. I often forget about the people who are around me because they want to be. I think that is the part of me I would like to change. I need to feel good about me and appreciate the friends I have in life. :)

kes_zone August 19 2009, 18:47:04 UTC

You are seeking out groups and activities that interest you and that is a good first step!

What is Meetup Travel all about?

pamhill August 19 2009, 20:24:31 UTC

I thought it was a singles group but it seems to have couples as well.

http://travel.meetup.com/953/

Since you and Menken love to travel you probably would enjoy the group. I will let you know if I ever do a presentation on my trip. :)

The membership is 8$ for a couple for a year or 2$ for a guest per visit.

kes_zone August 24 2009, 18:16:30 UTC

I think it would be cool if you did a talk for them. You have been meaning to and it would be a great opportunity.

Would it make you more nervous or less if your friends showed up for your talk?

pamhill August 24 2009, 19:22:37 UTC

I think I would be more comfortable as I would have a friendly face to look at. I think it depends on when I do the presentation. I have only been to one meeting so I am still not sure what they want to hear about and worried about looking foolish if it is a topic they already know about. I have no clue what happened in the past.

I thought I would do one on New Zealand since that is where a lot of my new adventures took place.