I’ve been reflecting recently on how much I have changed in terms of communicating and reaching out to people. Pre the pandemic I was SO insecure about being on camera live or putting my voice “out there”. I’d do Facebook lives that were as short as I could get away with, I’d speak at my own events or in “safe spaces” like my local arts collective and I did do a couple of spots as guests on podcasts and things but would pick apart and over critique my “performance” seeing what didn’t sound right or spotting what I “should” have said.
Then the pandemic came, lockdowns kicked in and EVERYONE moved online! I was incredibly nervous but knew deep down that I had to do it to and there is something about being forced to see your face looking back at you on a regular basis that almost forces you to get comfortable with yourself (a bit like Louise Hay’s mirror work exercises I suppose! ) and it did actually work to the extent that I am still doing weekly lives and at one point I even live streamed for over 10 hours as a fundraiser for the hospice that looked after my dad.
So the initial push came from necessity and perseverance but, if I really think about it the biggest turning point came in embracing that I didn’t need to perform or be perfect I just needed to be me! Authenticity is a huge thing for me….and being honest it takes much less work than trying to live up to other people’s ideals and standards!
Will I be everyone’s cup of tea? No and that’s absolutely fine, I get it especially in the line of work I do people have ideas and preferences for what they’re looking for in a coach/ reader/ workshop host and it is absolutely right that they have those needs met BUT I won’t bend, shrink or change myself and my principles/ideas to do that. (Which brought to mind some wisdom from Brene Brown that I’ve shared below this paragraph)
With that acceptance of self and the embracing of my authenticity I’ve started actively looking for opportunities to put myself out there and have shared space on quite a few podcasts recently (here’s a playlist if you want to check them out https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1qC2nCvGbFg73Ma6RuipP1?si=BTmal0eKTFma1547EN_aIA&pi=WsDMlh8zTWW-H
There’s also the ongoing weekly slots on Johnstone sound with my “Monday motivation” show. This was an opportunity that kept presenting itself to me repeatedly over a period of about six months (with regular catching of posts on Facebook) before I got over my fears and doubts, turned the volume down on my inner critic and got in touch with the station. Now I’m settled in to the presenting chair I’ve been left wishing I’d done it SO much sooner….as is often the case when you make that step out of the comfort zone.
All this talking and comfortable visibility took work but as I’ve said I’m glad I did it and there will definitely be more to come. I got into doing what I do to reach people and to be of service so I’m serving no one by saying quiet and holding back. (There’s a fab quote from Marie Forleo on that that I wanted to share but couldn’t find….if I do I will pop it on my socials so go find me on Facebook and Instagram !!)
What are you holding back on that could be of service? What dreams are you denying because you can’t affirm your authenticity and awesomeness? I’d love to know…so leave a comment on here or reach out and let’s have a chat about it
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