We resume our story where we left off, with a young woman who had sworn never to speak in public again.
She couldn’t quite get away with that, and even found herself drawn into the public eye giving presentations through her professional work.
But she always dreaded it.
When she left her regular job to go out on her own, she knew she had something to say, but wasn’t sure where to start.
She began with writing with an online newsletter, then added blogging, and eventually began writing articles that were picked up by other websites.
But she still found herself hesitating when it came time to hit the “publish” or “send” button. What if people didn’t like it? What if they disagreed or thought she was wrong? What if she was too “woo-woo” or different or controversial or …?
So she moderated her message, held herself back, and tried to toe the line.
Despite that contradictory dance of trying to hide out and be seen simultaneously, she began to build a following: She had something to say that her right audience wanted to hear.
And with the feedback from her audience, her voice grew stronger, even though she still felt nervous when she pressed the “publish” button.
Eventually, she felt inspired to teach classes and found a venue to offer free classes as a place to start.
And people came!
She was TERRIFIED!
But she held her ground, practiced her energy skills, and reminded herself that she could trust herself to handle anything that came up, even if she didn’t know the answer.
And it was great.
Of course, she couldn’t sleep that night and laid awake late into the night processing the whole experience endlessly.
But she did it again. And it was easier. And she laid awake less and processed less and enjoyed it more.
So she taught another class, and another.
Eventually she began offering her classes online for a fee. And then weekend-long workshops.
And it just kept getting easier and easier and easier.
Have you guessed by now? Did you know already?
This woman was me.
I’ve traveled a path from being terrified of speaking and writing in public to feeling much more comfortable with it. While it’s true that I still get nervous — I even ask myself, “Why am I doing this?” from time to time — I’ve learned that the level of satisfaction I feel when I share my message with my audience is so very high that it is entirely worth it.
As a sensitive person who loves to hermit herself away at home and write (just ask my friend Kris how hard it is to pry me out of my little cave), I’ve learned a number of ways of understanding and working with myself and my sensitive, introverted, empathic wiring so I can handle being seen, heard, and read.
I’ll tell you that as I stretch myself farther with my screenwriting and other writing, it is becoming increasingly uncomfortable again, but I will not let that stop me from reaching for my dreams and sharing what I have to say.
Your turn
What about you? Does this inspire anything for you? Your comments are welcome.
Warmly,
Expand your Spotlight Comfort Zone
With practical and spiritual tools to help you get there
In a safe, sensitive-friendly 6-week study group
~> NEW DATE: April 10th, 2012. My teleclass, “Sensitives in the Spotlight: How Artists, Writers, Hermits & Introverts can Navigate a Call to the Public Eye,” will be held on April 10th at 3 p.m Pacific Time (4 Mountain, 5 Central, 6 Eastern, Midnight GMT). Find out more and register here.
~> April 12th, 2012. Last day to register for the next session of my Writer’s Circle session starting on April 16th. Get my Free Writing Tips series too, and receive a coupon for a savings on your first 4 week session. Sign up here.
~> April 19th, 2012. Last day to register for my next Life Purpose Breakthrough Group on May 17th. Only 4 spots. These groups consistently sell out, so if you’d like to join me, reserve your spot ASAP. Register here.
~> April 19th, 2012. Teaching a live webinar for Writer’s Digest, “10 Practical Tips for More Consistent, Productive Writing.” Details soon!
~> Ongoing. Writing in the ProSeries class at ScreenwritingU. Closing in on the complete draft.
~> Friday through Monday. Sacred writing time while I complete my draft. The Do Not Disturb sign is up.
~> Still reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban with my boy.
Yes, I knew it was you! Congrats … No wonder we connected — we both learned to get over various fears.
Sorry about your grandmother. Plz accept my condolences. She saw a lot in her life. Did she ever write a book? And what was her secret to longevity? her kindness?
Thanks, G.
I figured you’d know for sure, G. :)
Longevity seems to run in my family, interestingly enough. I think it was her sharp mind, constant reading, and yes, kindness. And she DID write books, a whole bunch of them: Guides to Jim Beam bottle collecting. Kind of amazing. http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Jim-Beam-Bottles/dp/0912454172
Yay Jenna – so glad you were willing to be visible so I could find you and we could be friends. And it’s true – a lot of my quality time with you is at your house ;) xoxo ~ Kris
A full century, wow – what a good long life your grandmother had.
I’ve been reading your work for years (starting with the online newsletters way back when) and just wanted to say thank you. I never comment on blogs because of the fear you talk about here, and I have the same hesitation you describe when it comes to other social media and my own blog.
Thanks for speaking up, and for continuing to do so. I love hearing what you have to say.
x
Emy, I’m so glad you did post! It makes me happy to know that you found the courage to do so.
I knew it was you – thanks for sharing your struggles with presenting yourself in public. I am dealing with a bit of this now because I will be launching a new blog very soon – one that talks about the link between spirituality and the arts. I am little shy about talking about the spiritual angle because that area can be so emotionally charged, and as you alluded to in your post, might be considered too “woo woo”. But this subject is what I feel compelled to talk about. Thanks again for sharing your journey – it is helping to give me that little push that I need.
I am also very sorry to hear about your grandmother; it must be wonderful to know that she lived such a long life and made a difference in the lives of so many others. May you and your family find strength and solace during this difficult time.
Cindy, good! You were too clever not to see through my ruse. Others have said they didn’t realize it was me.
I remember being really worried about being considered too “woo woo”. Some people don’t like it. I try not to worry about it, since it is who I am. Good luck with your blog!
Hi Jenna,
I found your website ‘by accident’ … and so glad I did … I’ve signed up for your newsletter and am excited to access what you have to offer in the near future. GREAT site … very inspiring.