What do you do if you're offered a chance to contribute your ideas to the planning of a future town centre?

Jump at it, that's what I did.

It's part of my 'Say Yes, Then Work Out How' new way of living.

A couple of weeks ago, I received an email invite from a property developer whose projects and display homes I've been visiting, asking if I'd like to be part of a focus group for their new town centre.

After saying yes, I was asked a number of questions like am I the primary grocery shopper in the family, where do I do my shopping etc.

And it's funny how I was given so many opportunities to be tested, as if God was asking "Are you sure you're up for this?"

First, I was late getting there. My chauffeur (hubby) got home late, so by the time we hit Sayers Road, which is like driving blind at night because of the poor street lighting, we were several minutes past the appointed time and I had visions of being shut out. I even told hubby to wait in the carpark till I'd gone in...just in case they closed the doors on me (they did say latecomers wouldn't be let in).

Hubby was the one who insisted I go in and ask, and I'm glad I listened, cos though I was the last to arrive, the session hadn't started yet.

I sat down and started nervously eyeing all the other participants - 6 ladies and a gentleman - and feeling like I was sliding back into my default introvert/passive observer persona. You know that feeling when you're the newcomer to a group situation and everyone else already seems to know one another and you feel you have to work extra hard to get in?

So I decided to step up. I roused myself to say hello and practise my rapport building skills with the person next to me. Then the facilitator moved me to the other end of the table, so I practised with the person next to me.

Then the session began (with a cameraman in the background videoing everything). I was the first to introduce myself according to the scripted instructions, and boy was I hot! I could feel the flush of being in the spotlight creep up my neck till my whole face was burning. Wondered what the rest thought as I sat there red-faced.

And this was only the start.

As the session got on it became clear who the room leaders were and how some people are really good at getting consensus from the group and making others feel included in their comments. Lots to learn.

All in, it was a great learning experience and I'm grateful to be given a chance to say what I'd like to see in the new town centre. It'll be fun to see how much of what we said is taken on board in 2-3 years when the project is completed.