Last Monday my colleague @AtiyaSumar contacted me via Microsoft teams and asked if I would be willing to moderate the upcoming #UKAid farewell event for scholars from the Ministry of Finance and planning going to pursue their Post Graduate studies in the UK.

My first instinct was to say 'No', I felt myself having an anxiety attack. I started giving her all the reasons why it shouldn't be me but someone else. She kept insisting and hoping that I would agree. She was actually surprised with my reaction.

See, I have spoken publicly before, plenty of times, I have delivered speeches, presentations, taught in classrooms you name it, ironically I was anxious and afraid. @AtiyaSumar encouraged me, she said the few times she's seen me , I always did a great job.

Why was I afraid/anxious? When in fact the many times that I have spoken publicly,I always received great feedback.Why does doubt always creep in,why is it so easy for one not to believe in their own capabilities even though everyone else can see them?

The enemy starts by creating doubt, am I good enough? am I capable? what if I mess up? All these thoughts start running through your mind. Then you start looking for all the reasons why you shouldn't even attempt to do something

I told @AtiyaSumar i would think about it and get back to her. When I told my husband, he said what are you thinking about, you are capable go and do it. As easy as that. Every obstacle I gave he had a solution for

My husband told me to go for it and that I would be glad I did. I had read a few scriptures days before saying that fear is the beginning of wisdom, fear tolerated is faith contaminated and Will Smith once said 'if you are scared, do it anyway'

So without another thought I said yes. @AtiyaSumar was very happy and offered to give me any support I needed. See, this is what women supporting women is, what it looks like.

@GlobalCatherine our Country Director was pleased to hear that I had agreed, she was sure I would do a great job, see this is what encouragement from your boss looks like.

The day before the event I practiced infront of my husband,ooh what great laughs we had, see this is what a husband supporting his wife looks like, always pushing her to achieve her highest potential that's mine to me, I am thankful

The day of the event I arrived early , and used the time to pray, practice ,pray and ofcourse have a chat with Atiya. I had no fear no doubt, no anxiety, no worry.. game face on and I was ready

I can't count how many people gave me feedback, that I did an excellent job, that I should do more, that I could do more and @AtiyaSumar would say can you believe she didn't want to do it, she was amazing.

Long story short believe in yourself,believe in who God says you are,surround yourself with people who will remind you about how great you are especially when you forget because life happens. "Do it while scared" and enjoy the feeling of fulfillment after. – bei Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel

My dear husband @phiasqo thank you for believing in me the way you do and @AtiyaSumar thank you for showing me what women supporting women is.