A Seat in the Dare Chair

I got to sit in the Dare Chair yesterday.

It was mighty

uncomfortable.

You might say I was thrown out... way out... of my comfort zone, that is.

Let me tell you the story...

At 8:15 I was called to substitute teach. Turned out that I was to be a sub for the sub. Yep, the substitute teacher was sick, and needed the calvary.

"Sure, I can come in. I can be in in an hour."

"Great!," was the reply.

"Which class is it?"

"High School History."

"Okay... I'll see you soon."

High school history??!! Aahh! I've never taught high schoolers before. I make it a point to be taller than the children in my care; it gives me a false sense of control. High school??!! Well, I like history. I can do this. I've been rock climbing before, which in my mind means I can do anything! (Can you hear my roar?) As long as it's not Civics---anything but Civics. I truly do not remember a thing about my high school government class. Did I even have one?

One hour. Sixty short minutes. Great. I needed to shower, get ready, get the little ones to preschool, cancel an appointment, make an appointment, get my son's skis to the Middle School, and get to the High School in one itty-bitty hour.

I was shaking the principal's hand an hour later, trying not to show my shortness of breath from running from my car to the school. He kindly gave me my assignment... Civics Class. I hope he did not sense the wave of sheer panic that rushed through me like a tidal wave. I remained calm with the sense that surely the kids would be in the middle of a project.. some sort of project, any project!

Now remember... I was already out of my comfort zone. Well, I was now catapulted into an entirely different state, let alone zone! Yep, you guessed it... I was to give a lecture on Congress!!! A lecture?! I am sure my face lost color at this point.

I was talking myself into the fact that I could do this. I had to do this. I had no choice. My saving grace was a prep hour. Thank God for prep hours! I took out their Civics book, read chapter 6, took many notes, and read the teacher's notes time and time again.

I am very happy to say that I was able to give a heck of a lecture about Congress! I can tell you about the House of Representatives, districts, how many people make up a district, Speaker of the House, the Senate, who the jury is during an impeachment trial, their salaries, and many more facts. I actually had a lot of fun!

It's funny how we sometimes kick and scream as we are being pulled out of our comfort zones. Heavy doubt clouds our vision so at times it is impossible to even see the idea of success. I know the Dare Chair is hard and uncomfortable, but I can pretty much guarantee you that you will never regret having a seat in it. Okay, in all honesty, you will probably be mad at yourself for getting into it in the first place; you may even try to get out of it! But after all of you hard work, when you are staring at success in it's beautiful face, you will never regret your decision to push yourself past the obstacles and self doubt. Truly.

Go ahead.

Have a seat.

I dare you.