As I become more committed to making a social media presence in the ways of sharing what I do, I am noticing that “getting out there” is triggering a lot of my insecurities.
I know this may seem an obvious observation because I am sure most people, especially women, feel similar to me when it comes to showing themselves in whatever that might look like for them. But as a Certified Hypnotherapist and metaphysician I hear myself saying to myself “shouldn’t you be beyond this self critical stage of life by now?”
I begin to think of all of the young women who have grown up with a smartphone in their hands. Are they as scrutinizing and self-punishing as I tend to be? I sure hope not! But I know it’s happening. I know we are all under a sort of invisible pressure that will rear it’s ugly energy when we become vulnerable in the ways we do put ourselves out into the world.
Opening up to the inevitable fact that at some point someone is going to lash out at a post or some aspect of me is in some ways petrifying, but in other ways it’s actually completely and totally liberating.
If I am resigned to the notion that, of course not everyone is going to love my blue hair, or get my kind of energy, when I give myself permission to let go of that part of me that wants to please everybody I get to commit to being my full authentic self without apology and then the magic happens.
My clients don’t come to me for readings and counseling because everybody likes me, or because I’m a perfect size 4 and have botoxed my 49 year old face to freeze the expression out of me.
In fact, I can confidently say they are not concerned about me and my insecurities. The goal they have when they book a session is to gain insight and guidance for themselves so they can evolve and feel more joy on their own journey. As well as let go of their own fears!
They hire me because I’m great at what I do. They refer me to friends and family because of the authentic exchange that takes place during a reading and that can only happen when I am truly committed to loving myself right where I am at.
So now I can completely commit to myself that when I post images of myself in whatever format, I’m not doing it for the approval the random individuals who are looking for the flaws in me so they don’t have to face their own, but I’m sharing my authentic self with the people who “get” me and appreciate the messages that come through me.
I get to let go of that part that wanted to please and rejoice in the part of me that is already pleased by simply being me.
Stacey Justis, CHt 