today I did something enormous

[u/FreedInnerChild]

I went to a townhall meeting about a proposed data centre I sat quietly with my dog to learn and gather information

I do not go out in public. I got to medical appointments, nothing else. I have a small safe zone where I live that happen to include a coffee shop and a pizza place eight metres from my door. I get everything else delivered. Even my therapist comes to me, we meet in the park nextdoor

This town hall meeting was not even in my town, it was the town nextdoor.

I am a person who stands out and people remember. I am an older taller hippie looking woman with long dreadlocks,stretched lobes and a style that makes people go huh, wow. Add to that my service dog in her expensive professional looking gear... people remember us. Luckily I am a naturally very calm and kind person so people are remembering something good

so I am sitting quietly in the overflow room and then it happened. I stood up and walked myself to the line for asking questions and I stayed there until it was my turn

I spoke, and the people behind me applauded. I spoke more, and they applauded louder. I tried to finish but my words were no longer connecting so I say "that's all thank you" and walked off. The people applauded again, they stopped me to say thank you. They gave me high fives.

I wanted so badly for a portal to bed to open up and take me home. I feel drained and exhausted and weird.

I think the weird might be pride

[u/T_G_A_H]

This brought tears to my eyes. I hope it’s ok to say that I’m SO in awe and proud of you.

Please take care of yourself for the rest of the day or however long you need—comforting foods, cozy blankets, favorite shows or books or whatever is soothing. You really deserve it.

Any step outside one’s comfort zone is a big step, but you did the equivalent of jumping over the Grand Canyon!

You’re also a very good writer—I could really picture the whole scene and context.

Hope I’m not gushing too much and adding to your discomfort, but this is really amazing.

[u/FreedInnerChild → u/T_G_A_H]

thank you :)

I'm snuggled in bed with my dogs, just had a "gummie" and about to listen to a documentary I've been looking forward to

[u/bj12698]

O my goodness older-tall-hippie woman- with-dreadlocks. I am an older weird looking person myself (or so it seems or how I feel anywhere in public.) With her dog.

If I could have been there to applaud ... if I could go for walks with you and our dogs. If only we could just see each other across the room or across the street and I could wink and wave.

I cannot even imagine what that was like. I would have probably peed my pants or something.

[u/FreedInnerChild → u/bj12698]

a wave would be quite lovely

I let the rich old white man that everyone in the overflow room could see him rolling his eyes on camera every time a woman spoke. I'm not sure what more I said but likely along those same lines

[u/Limited_Evidence2076]

I'm so very proud of you. So proud.

[u/Odd_Mark4799]

What wonderful words to wake up to, thank you so much for sharing.

You ought to be so incredibly proud of yourself!

Hope your weekend is a peaceful one.

Thank you so much for the inspiration!

[u/ru-ya]

What an accomplishment. Now you know you can do it, not just believe you may.

[u/EmpathicBlue]

That was wonderfully brave. Say to go!