Putting yourself out there, and taking a chance
I’ve been playing with the idea of starting my own social media channel. One where I would open up about things I’m dealing with, and hopefully be a voice for those who don’t have one or don’t feel like they can put themselves out there. Being an advocate, or even just being out there to share experience, give advice, feedback, and support is meaningful.
Though then I fear all my secrets will be out. Then everyone will know them and I will no longer be hiding them from the world, my friends and family, and that stops me. Well, that and all the time and effort I would have to invest and I’m just not ready yet.
Putting yourself out there is hard, like exposing an open wound to the elements, not knowing if it will be a healing experience, or if it may cause infection, contamination and the oozing of a whole lot of pus (sorry about the graphic description). Speaking out can be really brutal if people aren’t willing to listen. If however, people are willing to listen and receive your message with open and warm arms, it can be really uplifting. The willingness to be vulnerable and share from yourself with others isn’t a matter of fact, it takes courage and bravery, and the willingness to take risks.
Being vulnerable is hard yet important, so if I’m going to try and convince you to take a chance on yourself I’m going to have to put my money where my mouth is and set an example; Back in July 2016, I was drugged with a Rape-drug. This caused me to press pause on my university studies, quit my jobs, and fall into my own cacoon back at my parents’ house. A few months later I flew to Thailand to regain my own trust in myself and in the world, and to find the space to breathe once again. I was there for 5 weeks, and it was all I hoped for and more. As I was getting on the plane to head back home for a 15-hour trip, I posted my story on Facebook. I shared what happened, how, and my personal journey to overcome it, then I disconnected for 15-hours. Not knowing how it would be received or what people would think.
Once I landed I turned on my phone, and as the notifications popped up, my eyes teared up and I couldn’t hold back. Within 15 hours I received 37 private messages, 28 Whatsapps, and over 300 comments, plus 4 shares of my post (eventually it went viral). People showed support, love, acknowledgment, understanding, and more than anything else — people related. They related to my words and felt they could open up about their own experiences, someone finally got them. Even in cases where their situation wasn’t all that similar — I was willing to be vulnerable, and they appreciated that and felt safe within my embrace.
I think this is one of the key game changers and most meaningful impacts of social media — the ability to connect between people all around the world and create communities. A person looking for a solution, looking to not feel alone in the world, to relate and share in a neutral and comfortable environment. Social media allows and provides the platforms for this to happen. Not everyone is equipped with the ability to share in a way that others can connect with and learn from. It is a true gift that takes gumption, confidence and the willingness to fall flat on your face.
And so, if you find within your self those abilities and that willingness, get ready for quite a ride.
I’m not yet ready to start my own channel. I do share from time to time and the responses prove to me I do have a voice people want to hear, with messages people relate to. I don’t take this for granted. Through the process of writing this, I looked into myself to understand why I haven’t yet started my own channel. I realized it’s not only a matter of fear of putting myself out there, now my biggest concern is the time commitment and obligation towards my followers.
at least one video and see how I feel. I hope through this experiment, I will prove to myself my fear was unnecessary, and I can combat my worries and concerns to start something truly inspiring and impactful.
Will you join me?
Until next time,
T
Written by: Tiferet Solomon
Edited by: Lulu Dubin & Keshet Naiman
