Sparking Words of Joy

For many years, I have feared saying what I really wanted to say. I had always softened my message with humour, kindness, and respect, but often, I may have weakened it so as not to offend.

During the break, I listened to Brene Brown on YouTube, first in her talk to creative people at a conference called ’99u’ and then in her viral TED Talk. You can see her TEDx here. (Thanks again to Angela at Whipbird Creative for another excellent tip-off.)

It was all very healing for me. It awakened in me a drive for what I feel needs to be said and renewed my passion for setting a few things right in the world.

I also noticed the current trend for Marie Kondo’s minimalism and the concept of keeping only what sparks joy. How often do we do that with our words and opinions, or are we just repeating what we are fed in the media? Is it time to declutter our communication, too?

I pondered how I had cowered behind a veil of fear of rejection and criticism. With the advent of mass media and the digital age, many think they are informed about things and want to advise you.

How many times have I put up with the opinions of others who have risked nothing and are just wrong with whatever is presented for peace or the desire not to disturb the status quo? I would like to be braver and escape that horrible gnawing feeling I get after an unfair compromise. I want to stand by my thoughts instead of selling out of my beliefs.

I will no longer be intimidated by another’s reaction to my right to a well-considered opinion. I intend to ‘put it out there’ regardless of what happens.

“If you’re not also in the arena getting your ass kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback”

– Brene Brown

I have a real desire to add value to others’ lives, and I know that what I say is delivered with respect and humility. I savour the mentoring role and spend a lot of energy in trying to impart a vision so that students develop an appetite for success and self-understanding. 

I know that I do not have everything right and that I am on a journey of discovery like everyone else, of which I have not reached the final arrival. But in a world where everyone sprouts the desire to be ‘themselves’, why are we so scared of being ourselves?

I leave the last word to a great man, Teddy Roosevelt.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat”. 

                                                        Teddy Roosevelt

Remember that being different is our biggest asset and we don’t have to be like everyone else. If you need a keynote speaker or presenter on neurodiversity, private message me today to book your next presentation.

As a neurodiverse public speaker and presenter, Dave Brebner specialises in using educational neuroscience to explore pathways for professionals and engage in inclusive discussions for diverse audiences. Living with Tourette’s Syndrome, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, ADHD, and Anxiety Disorders since an early age, he is married with six children and one grandchild. He recently added a Master of Educational Neuroscience to his qualifications to further deepen his understanding of the neurodiverse mind, including his qualifications in Trades & Training, Adult Education, Vocational and Workplace Training, and a Master of Education degree in Career Development. Dave is a professional member of the Career Development Association of Australia, and you can learn more about Dave’s work at www.davebrebner.com.

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I also give larger presentations at symposiums, conferences, and exhibitions, sharing my story and an Australian perspective on positive ways to beat the stigma of Tourette’s Syndrome.