A really big priority for me in 2013 is embracing the arts and allowing myself to share visibly. I’ve spent too many years not making it a priority and it’s time to change that!
When I was a little girl I always wanted to be involved in movies and theater performances.
I used to even write my own movie scripts, find neighbors to film them, and then act in them with my friends.
But then around the time I entered middle school, I started to worry more about what other people thought of me. I started to feel shy and dim my light, because I didn’t want to be seen.
I’m just starting to explore the world of acting, modeling, and dance performance again. It’s amazing how opportunities seem to come out of nowhere as soon as there is this energetic shift within!
It was around the time that I started Coaching With Christina, that I realized I was going to have to get comfortable with being visible–sharing my stories, videos, pictures, etc. This realization was scary, but also liberating. It means being vulnerable and open to criticism, but also opens up a whole new world of creativity.
The truth is, not allowing yourself to be visible can actually hold you back from reaching more people and sharing what you have to offer. And I’m starting to learn that so many people struggle with allowing themselves to be seen on line.
That’s why I made this video–hope it inspires you to share if you’re feeling afraid of criticism too.
Here’s a sampling of some fun, artistic things I’ve done to get over my shyness and increase my visibility.
This picture was is from the first photo shoot I ever did with my friend Frank of www.FrankHorror.com
Calibrating the Dream, photographed by William Rizzo
This photo was taken of me trying on my bellydance costume for a small part I had in Frank’s upcoming film Openings:
I hope that my journey to allow myself to be seen has inspired you.
Leave a comment if you are struggling with being visible and any tips you have for overcoming this.
Feel free to share links to your creative visibility projects!
P. S. By the way, my friend Frank is an awesome writer and director, and I’m really loving the way his recent film Openings is turning out so far. If you would like to contribute to his project and possibly win an *Ipad*!!!!, you can get a raffle ticket here 🙂
I’ve also struggled with shyness over the years and like you I am putting myself out there now!
Hi Emma,
Thank you for sharing–I’m glad I’m not alone and that you’re putting yourself out there too. It’s a great feeling to be shy and act in spite of it 🙂
~Christina
Love that belly dancing picture! “Being visible” can definitely be a difficult choice. When I published my first book in 2011 I had to steel myself for the very real possibility that not everyone would love it; that I would likely receive some negative reviews. But the FEAR of negative responses was way worse than anything anyone ever wrote or said about my writing. Thanks for reminding me to stay positive and to keep moving forward.
Hi Kimba,
Thank you! That is so true, that the fear is usually worse than any real criticism received. And if it does happen, it passes and all you are left with is your own thoughts/fears about it anyway, right?
Congratulations on publishing your first book–that is amazing! 🙂
~Christina
You are SO good at making videos. It doesn’t show at all that you are nervous! It just goes to show that sometimes we think others are not struggling and things come naturally when really they are courageous and taking risks and saying yes more so they blast through their fears! You are such a great inspiration to SO many creative entrepreneurs.
Thank you for sharing this story!
Nathalie
Thank you Nathalie! I’m so glad you can’t tell I’m nervous–it’s good to know 🙂
~Christina
You are wonderful at doing videos! It’s inspiring to know that others are going through this and overcoming shyness and visibility issues. Thanks so much, just what I needed today 🙂
Thank you Cathy! 🙂
~Christina
Oh, Christina….This was such a wonderful gift that you gave us. You shared you! Awesome. I got chills when you were describing yourself, dimming yourself in 6th grade. I think a lot of us can relate. All we have to do is, if acting or modeling was not our thing, to just fill in the blank with what we loved. Mine was helping people in whatever way I could. I have always been a helper, but I thought I had to go to college and get a technical job to be respected. I went that technical route, but after 10 years, I am back to being a helper in the way that moves me…to really serve in the world. Thank you for this video….please make more!
Hi Suzanne,
Thank you for your kind words–you are really inspiring me to make more videos and feel good about them. Especially since I love yours as well!
That is such a great point you make about allowing yourself to be more visible simply by doing what you love. I am so glad you are back to being a helper and shining your light–love what you’re doing!
~Christina
Thank you so much for sharing your own journey. This seems to happen to most of us in Middle School and instead of embracing our uniqueness and feminine power we begin monitoring and criticizing ourselves. I am so happy for you and glad that you are putting yourself out there. You are an inspiration!
Thank you Tonya! It’s interesting that you’ve noticed this is a phenomenon from Middle School too. One of my favorites things about sharing more is finding out where there are more things we all have in common than differences.
~Christina
The first article I wrote that got published in a newsletter described my enjoyment of a 2-day “break” from being a Mom. (I had gone to a hotel by myself and left my daughter in my husband’s care.) I was proud of being published for the first time–until two family members told me “You shouldn’t feel that way” (about my enjoyment of getting away.) I think those voices in my head make me fearful of going bigger with my writing.
Hi Susan,
Thank you for sharing your story. I think the hardest thing about allowing yourself to be visible is the fear of criticism. It’s inevitable that someone is going to disagree or dislike whatever we do when we put ourselves out there.
But I think a lot of people need to hear your message that it’s okay to get away for a break. That doesn’t make you or anyone else a bad mother for needing that. I’m sure you helped so many women by writing that article. I think we all need to give ourselves permission to share rather than feeling like we need to get everyone’s approval unconditionally.
Sounds like you struck a nerve, and I think that’s a good thing!
~Christina
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