Hold Your Breath and Jump
A Toastmasters story, a little wisdom, and a big thank-you to my clients
Yesterday evening, I finally did something I’ve been waiting since February to do.
Back then, a thyroid twice its normal size held me back. Every time I moved or tried to speak, I’d dissolve into relentless coughing fits. And because these coughing attacks flared up in winter, people gave me those wary looks — as though I was carrying some new Covid variant. So I stayed indoors, kept to myself, and pressed pause on this dream.
The dream? To step into the world of public speaking.
For years, I believed my power was best wielded behind a keyboard, through the written word. But the thought of standing up and speaking kept tugging at me. Earlier this year, I even researched Toastmasters clubs near me. But my thyroid made clear, confident speech impossible.
Then, in August, the thyroid came out. And last night, nothing stood in my way — except me.
At 4:30 p.m., two hours before the meeting, I caught myself thinking: Would they really miss me if I didn’t go? It’s not like I’d committed to months of membership — no one would hold me accountable. When I voiced this to my husband, he just said: “Nike.” I sighed and replied: “Just do it…”
So I did.
And I’m so glad. Everyone was welcoming and kind. When visitors were invited to try a two-minute impromptu “table talk,” I was the first to raise my hand. The topic was personal branding. The question: If your personal brand were an emoji, what would it be?
I finished one second over time. Just two “ums” and one “ah.” And I loved every minute of it.
💡 #WednesdayWisdom
If there’s something you’ve been aching to do, don’t drown in analysis paralysis. Forget the pros-and-cons list that talks you out of it. Sometimes, you just need to hold your breath and jump. Remember: you can always swim back to shore if you don’t like where you’ve landed.
A thank-you gift for my clients
This year, I’ve been reflecting on how grateful I am for the loyalty and support of my clients and readers. To show my appreciation, I’m bringing back my year-end academic editing special.
Normal rate: R50 per page
New clients: R45 per page (valid until 16 December 2025)
Returning clients: R40 per page
📌 Ts & Cs
50% deposit upfront, 50% on completion
7 working days for theses under 150 pages
10 working days for theses over 150 pages
👉 If you’d like to take up this special, please fill out this form or drop me an email at lia@liamarus.com.
And as always, if you could share this with your networks, I’d be deeply grateful.