Putting Yourself Out There

Hello friends,

In writing these blog posts, no matter how few, I approach it with hesitation. Hitting the “publish” button on my very first post was terrifying! I fight the questions in my head that ask “What will people think of me?” or “Do they even care about what I have to say?” As much as I am doing this blog for myself I want it to be something for the readers too. I love what I write about but that doesn’t mean others will.

Being vulnerable is some scary sh**. No one, anywhere, will argue that. We, as people, are afraid of what others will think of us. Being vulnerable, however, is the only way to make those authentic, deep connections with individuals who will be a part of your life, maybe even forever. These connections, these relationships, are the strongest influences as to how we grow as a person, and how we express the person that we are.

How do we get all of that? Simple. It’s called, putting yourself out there.

I have been put in this position many times, I am putting myself in that position right now even. Every time I sit down to write, I break down my walls, put myself out there and become vulnerable sharing my own thoughts, feelings, and emotions with people who could be complete strangers or trusted friends. I become completely exposed. Gahhh!!

This fear is natural and understandable and the best part is, you aren’t alone. I’m in it with you.

So to start, IT’S NOT TOO LATE.

There are always new opportunities to put yourself out there and be confident in who you are. You could be a freshman in college, moving to a new place, or starting a new job. Either way, you can always challenge yourself to be the real you and build those strong relationships.

Don’t forget to be confident in who you are and the opinions and thoughts you have. Respect the person you have become thus far. Enjoy what you can share and bring to the table. Be yourself and share it with others.

You must also remember to be honest. No one likes a friend they can’t trust and you can’t build relationships on a lie.

Be authentic. Don’t let yourself become something you’re not. Be genuine to those in your life so they get to know the real you. The only way to do that…BE the real you.

I just finished my first semester as a junior in college and gave myself a pep-talk (I mean, the stern-faced, vigorous, and emotional talking to myself in the mirror kind), before the start of the semester. These things above all seemed so easy but they were hard to push myself to do at first. The trick, I didn’t let myself quit. I met a lot of new people and learned a lot more about old friends. I even found a “forever best friend” who I’m sure will be by my side on my wedding day and years following. By putting myself out there I have a full life of individuals who are vastly and uniquely different.

I challenge you all to step out of your comfort zones, and maybe add one more thing to your New Year Resolutions. So…take a leap of faith and join me! What do you have to lose?

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