Nervous Mason

iflylow74 · 07-03-2008, 11:26 AM

Hey guys. I just want to vent for a minute. I recently became a Freemason, just like my dad, grandpa, and great grandpa and so on. Tonight I have to turn in my entered apprentice proficiency. My dad and I have been practicing for a couple of months so I feel as prepared as Im going to be. At first I wasn't very nervous but now that the big day is here, I find myself a little shaky. Im a teacher so Im in front of groups everyday at work. The big difference (to me at least) is that in the classroom, Im the "expert" and the audience is the learner. Now that situation is reversed; Im the learner and the audience is the "expert". Add to that, my dad will be there and I definitely don't want to let him down. Anyone here have any advice? Anyone here a Mason that can ease my nerves?

ArkansasHunter · 07-03-2008, 11:43 AM

At our age it's normal to feel the way your feeling. You'll do just find so rest your nogg'in.
You want be expected to be perfect anyway...A.H

GlockMeister · 07-03-2008, 11:58 AM

Yea, what you are about to experience, the nervousness that is, is something every person experiences when they enter into an unfamiliar setting and or situation. Use the "picture them (in this case all the experts) all in the underwear" therapy? lmao Good luck to you and you will do just fine!!!

elmer fudd · 07-03-2008, 12:28 PM

just go in and dont think about it i get on bulls all the time if i stopped to think that one of them could kill me i would be in the nut hut!

Earl Easter · 07-03-2008, 12:57 PM

iflylow74
If a speech or words are to be given, you have already started. You mentioned you have been the teacher and the audience has been the receptive group. Thats exactly how i would start out my speech,following that there job, will be to teach you and how receptive you are going to be to there wisdom and experience. That you are going to try very hard to following your Great grandfather grandfather and fathers patrimonial path the best that you know how.......Hey good luck with that speech i have no doubt that you will shine for the respected audience......

Windwalker · 07-03-2008, 01:35 PM

If you have been practicing you will do just fine. You obviously trust your Dad and if he didn't think you were ready he would still be practicing with you. You know the answers so just relax, the words will come.

Slow Fuse · 07-03-2008, 01:54 PM

Iflylow74
As along time Mason , I can tell you that everyone there has been in the same position when they were EA's, so just relax and do your thing. If you
forget any part someone will prompt you, no big deal. When you finish your FC you will really be proud of yourself and almost home.
Good luck brother
slow fuse

iflylow74 · 07-03-2008, 10:32 PM

Thanks for all the great advice yall!

Good to know there are some other Masons here Brother Slow Fuse. I just got back and passed with flying colors. I got a little nervous and started going fast but everybody said me and my dad did great. I move up to the next degree on the 15th. I cant wait!!

nathangdad · 07-04-2008, 12:19 AM

just about hyperventilating over the event and hardly mentioning the material.

Think about the material, relax, let it flow from you. Quit worrying about the thoughts of others.

You can do it. Just don't let You defeat You. Millions of others have gone through the same ritual.

ArkansasHunter · 07-04-2008, 12:39 AM

Iffylow PM'ed me a little while ago and told me he passed with fly'in colors LOL !!!

Windwalker · 07-04-2008, 07:37 AM

I knew you would do alright. Congratulations !

Earl Easter · 07-04-2008, 08:12 AM

Good Job.........................Congratulations......

Seabeescotty · 07-04-2008, 08:17 AM

Congratulations, on a job well done! Now you know, and the rest should be like riding a bike.

iflylow74 · 07-04-2008, 11:28 AM

Hey guys,
Thanks for all the advice and encouragement! As A.H. said, I did pretty good and passed with flying colors!! I start on my next degree on the 15th and I cant wait! I also wanted to let everyone know how much I value all of your input and that I consider each of you a good friend. Thanks again!!

ArkansasHunter · 07-04-2008, 11:33 AM

LMAO !!! iflylow I just noticed the city/town you live in LOL ! I was born and raised in Arkansas.
I've never heard of SKEETERVILLE before. That's funny LOL

iflylow74 · 07-04-2008, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArkansasHunter

LMAO !!! iflylow I just noticed the city/town you live in LOL ! I was born and raised in Arkansas.
I've never heard of SKEETERVILLE before. That's funny LOL

Yeah it gets to being "Skeeterville" when the farmers flood the rice. Thats when the Skeeter invasion takes place!!!

ArkansasHunter · 07-04-2008, 11:40 AM

10-4 good buddy !!!

iflylow74 · 07-04-2008, 12:11 PM

Im guessin' yall probably have your share of skeeters down south right A.H.

Arkiemike · 07-04-2008, 09:23 PM

Welcome to our fraternity! I was in the same boat about 26 years ago. Since then I have been WM twice, served the Grand Lodge as a committee chairman for 9 years and will probably go into an officer's position (chair) again next year.

Which Lodge you in? Texarkana #341 here.

iflylow74 · 07-05-2008, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arkiemike

Welcome to our fraternity! I was in the same boat about 26 years ago. Since then I have been WM twice, served the Grand Lodge as a committee chairman for 9 years and will probably go into an officer's position (chair) again next year.

Which Lodge you in? Texarkana #341 here.

Thanks Brother Arkiemike! Thats pretty cool. At my initiation, a brother from the Grand Lodge was there. Im not sure of his position but my dad said he was second from the top. I belong to Poinsett Lodge 184.

07-03-2008, 11:26 AM	#1
iflylow74 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Arkansaw Posts: 1,439 Blog Entries: 11	Nervous Mason Hey guys. I just want to vent for a minute. I recently became a Freemason, just like my dad, grandpa, and great grandpa and so on. Tonight I have to turn in my entered apprentice proficiency. My dad and I have been practicing for a couple of months so I feel as prepared as Im going to be. At first I wasn't very nervous but now that the big day is here, I find myself a little shaky. Im a teacher so Im in front of groups everyday at work. The big difference (to me at least) is that in the classroom, Im the "expert" and the audience is the learner. Now that situation is reversed; Im the learner and the audience is the "expert". Add to that, my dad will be there and I definitely don't want to let him down. Anyone here have any advice? Anyone here a Mason that can ease my nerves? __________________ Regnant Populi, Nemo me impune lacessit

07-03-2008, 12:28 PM	#4
elmer fudd Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: pheasant country USA! Posts: 2,239	just go in and dont think about it i get on bulls all the time if i stopped to think that one of them could kill me i would be in the nut hut! __________________ spur hard, shoot straight, party hardy!

07-03-2008, 01:35 PM	#6
Windwalker Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 6,100	If you have been practicing you will do just fine. You obviously trust your Dad and if he didn't think you were ready he would still be practicing with you. You know the answers so just relax, the words will come. __________________ America: Love it and protect it or leave it In God I Trust

07-03-2008, 01:54 PM	#7
Slow Fuse Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Just back far enough Posts: 81	Mason Iflylow74 As along time Mason , I can tell you that everyone there has been in the same position when they were EA's, so just relax and do your thing. If you forget any part someone will prompt you, no big deal. When you finish your FC you will really be proud of yourself and almost home. Good luck brother slow fuse

07-03-2008, 10:32 PM	#8
iflylow74 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Arkansaw Posts: 1,439 Blog Entries: 11	Thanks for all the great advice yall! Good to know there are some other Masons here Brother Slow Fuse. I just got back and passed with flying colors. I got a little nervous and started going fast but everybody said me and my dad did great. I move up to the next degree on the 15th. I cant wait!! __________________ Regnant Populi, Nemo me impune lacessit

07-03-2008, 11:43 AM	#2
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas. Posts: 17,217	At our age it's normal to feel the way your feeling. You'll do just find so rest your nogg'in. You want be expected to be perfect anyway...A.H

07-03-2008, 11:58 AM	#3
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 9,676	Yea, what you are about to experience, the nervousness that is, is something every person experiences when they enter into an unfamiliar setting and or situation. Use the "picture them (in this case all the experts) all in the underwear" therapy? lmao Good luck to you and you will do just fine!!! __________________ "The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion." "Edmond Burke"

07-03-2008, 12:57 PM	#5
Earl Easter Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 2,133 Images: 20	iflylow74 If a speech or words are to be given, you have already started. You mentioned you have been the teacher and the audience has been the receptive group. Thats exactly how i would start out my speech,following that there job, will be to teach you and how receptive you are going to be to there wisdom and experience. That you are going to try very hard to following your Great grandfather grandfather and fathers patrimonial path the best that you know how.......Hey good luck with that speech i have no doubt that you will shine for the respected audience......

07-04-2008, 12:19 AM	#9
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 5,172	Look, you are just about hyperventilating over the event and hardly mentioning the material. Think about the material, relax, let it flow from you. Quit worrying about the thoughts of others. You can do it. Just don't let You defeat You. Millions of others have gone through the same ritual.

07-04-2008, 12:39 AM	#10
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas. Posts: 17,217	Iffylow PM'ed me a little while ago and told me he passed with fly'in colors LOL !!!

07-04-2008, 07:37 AM	#11
Windwalker Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 6,100	I knew you would do alright. Congratulations ! __________________ America: Love it and protect it or leave it In God I Trust

07-04-2008, 08:12 AM	#12
Earl Easter Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 2,133 Images: 20	Good Job.........................Congratulations......

07-04-2008, 08:17 AM	#13
Seabeescotty Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jay, Oklahoma, God's country. Posts: 6,964 Images: 18 Blog Entries: 1	Congratulations, on a job well done! Now you know, and the rest should be like riding a bike. __________________ Adapt, improvise, overcome.-Gysgt Highway, Heartbreak Ridge IN GOD WE TRUST!

07-04-2008, 11:28 AM	#14
iflylow74 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Arkansaw Posts: 1,439 Blog Entries: 11	Hey guys, Thanks for all the advice and encouragement! As A.H. said, I did pretty good and passed with flying colors!! I start on my next degree on the 15th and I cant wait! I also wanted to let everyone know how much I value all of your input and that I consider each of you a good friend. Thanks again!! __________________ Regnant Populi, Nemo me impune lacessit

07-04-2008, 11:33 AM	#15
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas. Posts: 17,217	LMAO !!! iflylow I just noticed the city/town you live in LOL ! I was born and raised in Arkansas. I've never heard of SKEETERVILLE before. That's funny LOL

07-04-2008, 11:40 AM	#17
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas. Posts: 17,217	10-4 good buddy !!!

07-04-2008, 12:11 PM	#18
iflylow74 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Arkansaw Posts: 1,439 Blog Entries: 11	Im guessin' yall probably have your share of skeeters down south right A.H. __________________ Regnant Populi, Nemo me impune lacessit

07-04-2008, 09:23 PM	#19
Arkiemike Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: SW Arkansas Posts: 78	Welcome to our fraternity! I was in the same boat about 26 years ago. Since then I have been WM twice, served the Grand Lodge as a committee chairman for 9 years and will probably go into an officer's position (chair) again next year. Which Lodge you in? Texarkana #341 here.