Toastmasters’ Byrd: Aiming to Be More Peaceful, Grateful

Art Byrd, a long-time local and district leader with Toastmasters International, is coming back strong. You can learn more about the local speaking and leadership club at its website.

What are some ways the COVID-19 outbreak has affected your organization, and how is it rebounding?

Toastmasters was impacted right away, as in March, Toastmasters International prohibited any club from meeting in person. But the District 10 leadership in northeastern Ohio did a great job assisting clubs in using Zoom to adapt to the Toastmasters meeting structure. The Youngstown and Warren Toastmasters clubs have held virtual meetings at the same times as their regular meetings.

The clubs have had some technical glitches such as muting at the wrong times and losing internet connection during meetings. Yet both clubs have maintained good attendance online with eight or more participants.

The local clubs still have to rebound on getting new members. There have been a few guests checking out the clubs online; however, they are not getting the full effect by not meeting in person. Some have become members and others are on the fence. Toastmasters is a strong organization that has shown it can adapt to any situation for its members and guests.

How has the outbreak affected your personal life?

The outbreak affected me with the loss of human contact and connections with my family, friends and activities I enjoy, such as going to the library and watching movies in a theater. Here’s an example. When the pandemic was picking up steam, I saw Sue, a good friend, at a store. Although she is a “hugger,” and a good one, she waved at me and kept going. At that moment, I realized the COVID-19 situation was serious.

I was driving when the lockdown was in place, and there were hardly any cars on the street. It was like a scary quiet scene, directly from a post-apocalyptic movie. I felt a lot of things were taken all at once — no more movie theaters, no music concerts, no library visits and no eating in restaurants.

I had a dental situation and my appointment was canceled. I had to go online and learn how to treat myself with temporary methods. That was interesting to have to heal myself because that was the only option. It made me look inward on other things.

I realized that I had to keep my health up, so I watched what I ate, like more oatmeal, Cream of Wheat and bananas. I exercised and walked on my treadmill. I cooked fish, chicken and eggs, but I am not a great cook. I was lucky, though. One of my favorite restaurants was still open during the quarantine and its Chicken Francaise and pasta never tasted so good.

I survived by reading detective novels by authors like Mickey Spillane, business and film books, and by researching materials for upcoming Toastmasters speeches and screenplays and checking on family members. I became aware and cautious of my human contact with others by wearing a mask, washing my hands and bumping elbows and fists instead of handshakes and hugs.

What steps are you taking to come back strong?

I am learning to be more peaceful with myself. During the quarantine, I slowed down a lot. I am not a go-go person; I am an over-thinker. What should I be doing when I am doing nothing? So, I decided to have a different approach and be more present. Now, I have a mantra, “Be Peaceful.” When I say it to myself, there is a calmness that comes over me.

I hardly watched the news. I watched a lot of standup comedy with Jerry Seinfeld and other comedians, and I stumbled recently upon a woman named Loretta LaRoche, a humorist who talks about the importance of laughing and smiling. When I start to feel a little down about COVID-19, I think of something she has said and start laughing. I put her lectures on CDs. I laugh more instead of thinking how bad things can be or are. Also, I’ve watched a lot of concerts with Phil Collins, Diana Krall, rediscovered singer Joss Stone and other artists.

I took the time to work on upcoming speeches for Toastmasters, like researching content, editing videos and working on graphics. I practice the speeches, rewrite them and practice again. I have at least two speeches ready to go. I’m not sure when we will meet in person again, so I may give the speeches virtually.

One way I am taking steps to come back strong is walking on my treadmill in a different way. I downloaded walking videos from YouTube where someone is walking with a camera through crowds with natural sounds. I put the videos on my iPad and then, I put headphones in and watch them while I am on my treadmill. So far, I’ve walked Hollywood Boulevard, Venice Beach, the Las Vegas strip and trails in Australia.

My approach to coming back strong is being peaceful and more grateful.

What advice are you sharing with the people you love?

I don’t have any advice for my family and friends because my approach was simple — wash your hands, wear a mask and maintain social distance. I have been checking on my sister, an aunt and my stepmother with random calls to see if they’re OK and need anything. Thank goodness, everyone at this point is doing well.

I don’t know anyone who has died from COVID-19 but, at a recent Toastmasters meeting, a member mentioned he knew of two people who had died from the virus. That is scary that they knew someone.

Do you have concerns about another shutdown?

I do. There has not been a vaccine or cure for the virus. Lots of people are not wearing masks, which seems like the only protection available. There are spots in the U.S where there has been a rise in outbreaks. Many people are acting like “COVID-What” instead of COVID-19.

I don’t want to go through the shutdown again. I missed my family and friends. I always knew how important hugs are, but not getting one for a while certainly let me know something was missing in my life.

Every week it seems like someone I know has passed away mostly because of natural causes. The whole outbreak and isolation have taught me how valuable life is, and how important my family and friends are to me. Life shouldn’t be taken for granted.