Welcome to The Moth. I'm Suzanne Rust.

Nerves, anxiety, that feeling you get when you're standing at the precipice of something big.

Whatever you want to call it, we've all felt it, and we've all had to push through it.

On this episode, we'll be visiting two moments of high anxiety,

the day of a big work presentation and the day of a high school wrestling match.

So we're wrestling with nerves, both literally and metaphorically.

First up is Chris Bell, who told this story at a Boston story slam where the theme was backfired.

Here's Chris, live with them off.

I'm slouched at my kitchen table.

It feels like I have an iron spike lodged in my forehead. This is the fifth day and I can't seem to get rid of this sickness. I just want to crawl in bed and cancel my life for an entire month, but I know I can't.

So I take a bite of an everything bagel. And I can feel the crunchy seasoning on my tongue,

but I can't taste the thing.

Even my morning coffee isn't giving me the same kick, so I think I should just quit and

keep that promise I made to my wife for years.

But I know I can't deal with caffeine withdrawals and when I'm already worn down. So not today. Today's too

important. See, six months ago, I came up with a business idea and my boss liked it so much

that he wanted me to present it at the next big meeting. So for months, I've been working

to perfect this presentation. And today is the day.

If this goes well, it could mean a promotion.

And that would be huge for both me and my family.

So my plan is simple.

Get to work early.

...