When I rejoined Southern Lights in the fall of 2019, I was only an Able Toastmaster (ATM). It certainly was on my mind to get my DTM, but once I found out that all requirements and the entire process had changed, it became quite clear to me that I would not be able to achieve that.
Enter the pandemic.
That changed everything once again and seemed to inhibit progress of any kind for anybody. It wasn’t until after we started to meet online again, that I saw the potential to meet the final requirements to achieve my DTM.
“ I had the pleasure to meet Toastmasters from many different clubs across British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan, and continue toward my goal.”
What's next after achieving DTM?
I knew that once I have reached the level of a DTM, it would not be the end of a journey. It rather became a starting point for something more engaging. The problem for me was to decide which direction I wanted to go. District Leadership, competitions, Accredited Speaker program, local community involvement, or something on a much broader influential sphere such as the kidney foundations or diabetes foundation.
Heck, even politics had entered my mind! However, the progression of my illness put everything on hold for now. But I still see the positive in all of that, for it does give me more time to actually make a much more definitive decision, instead of just getting involved in anything without greater forethought.
On my first year as a DTM didn’t really turn out to be anything spectacular, but rather has been a year of contemplation as to where I want to take what I have achieved and give back. Whatever I may decide in the time ahead, I want it to be a good fit for me and great benefit and impact of where or how I get myself involved.
Great Post