As a coach, I frequently encounter clients who grapple with the concept of being their true selves, especially those more at ease behind the lens than in the spotlight.
"It is not our darkness that most frightens us but our light," a poignant reminder that resonates deeply. We yearn to unveil our authentic selves, yet the fear of exposure often keeps us hidden, denying not only our potential but also our visibility to the world, and, perhaps most importantly, to ourselves.
In the words of Marianne Williamson, "we're all meant to shine, as children do," and to do so requires embracing our vulnerability.
Brene Brown's definition of vulnerability struck a chord with me: "Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it's having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it's our greatest measure of courage."
However, arriving at this understanding was a journey that spanned several years, a journey that reached a turning point at the beginning of this year.
As I contemplated taking my business to the next level, the realization hit me—I needed to be more present on LinkedIn and social media.
The prospect was daunting, but finding my 'authentic' voice became a personal challenge, one that demanded time, trial, error, and, above all, vulnerability.
Authenticity and vulnerability are recurring themes in my coaching sessions, where clients grapple with the fear of visibility, whether in a meeting with colleagues or on social media. It was time for me to practice what I preached.
I committed to posting every week, and as I faced my fears, they gradually dissipated. Making genuine connections and enjoying the process of sharing my thoughts online became a rewarding experience.
However, after the summer break, a sense of inauthenticity began to creep in, leading me to a halt. That's when I sought guidance from a business mentor.
Our sessions breathed new life into my endeavors. Yet, during one session, a single word triggered a cascade of emotions, and I found myself on the brink of crumbling. Discomfort settled in, urging me to run away, but I chose to sit with it. As Holly, my business mentor, wisely advised, I decided to 'breathe through the resistance.'
This commitment to facing discomfort allowed me to delve deeper into what authenticity meant to me and why I wanted to show up in this space. Since then my presence on social media has felt more natural and my connection more authentic.
If you're contemplating a transformative journey, ready to be vulnerable and confront discomfort head-on, I invite you to join me. As a guide, I am here to lead you to the other side, where you can confidently show up as your authentic self.