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Ever been more terrified of speaking in public than jumping out of a plane? You're not alone. Public speaking consistently ranks higher than death in surveys about our greatest fears, and as my wife Rita and I launch the second season of our travel adventures, I'm facing down this fear once again.

As I prepare for three speaking engagements at the International Living Conference in Portland, that familiar anxiety creeps in. Despite having presented countless times before, my nervousness will build until that moment I step on stage. To illustrate this universal fear, I share the story of my most terrifying public performance – a live TV appearance where I nearly fled the studio. The fascinating disconnect between my internal panic and what viewers actually saw speaks volumes about how we perceive our own performance versus reality.

This tension between comfort and growth applies equally to travel and public speaking. Both require stepping into uncertainty, facing vulnerability, and trusting that we'll emerge stronger. Whether navigating foreign streets or facing an audience, the discomfort precedes the reward. That's why we continue pursuing both challenges despite the fear – because we travel not to escape life, but so that life doesn't escape us.

Join us as our adventure continues, now with a slightly different rhythm but the same spirit of exploration that launched our journey. Connect with us on Instagram, YouTube, or jimsantosbooks.com to follow along, and check the show notes for information about streaming the International Living Conference if you'd like to learn more about overseas living.

Portland Conference: https://www.internationalliving.com/events

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