So, I’m new to this whole blogging thing. Actually, I’ve never written anything public before, but I wanted to give it a try. I want to create a site that inspires others who may be struggling to find their positivity, courage, compassion, or whatever their thing might be. I feel like I have a lot to say, I’m just not always the best at expressing myself (in person). Recently, I mentioned to one of my friends that I hadn’t seen in a while that I was starting a blog, and she replied sincerely,

“Really? Do you think you have that much to say?”

I laughed, but it made me think. I guess if someone doesn’t know me very well, I probably do come across very quiet, as if I don’t have many thoughts going on in my head. I often choose not to express my thoughts or opinions in a group setting. I am an introvert through and through. I then turned to my other friend sitting next to me, who knows me very well and asked her opinion, and she laughed too. “Uh, yeah Leah, you have plenty to say.” In fact, if you are a member of my tribe, or close circle of friends, then you know it is sometimes hard to shut me up. It’s even worse if I have a drink in my hand. (Note to self: do not blog while drinking. Or, would it be better to blog while drinking??? I’ll think about this…)

As I’ve been writing and thinking a lot, and going back and forth deciding if I want to do this whole blog thing after all, another very close friend of mine told me if I don’t start this blog, then she is going to hack into my computer and post it herself!

“The world needs to hear your thoughts!” she told me.

Ok, Ok. That’s the reassurance I needed. Of course I’m nervous about putting my private thoughts out into the world, how much more vulnerable does it get?

What if people find out that I’m weird? (I am!)

What if someone judges me? (Yep, they will!)

What if I offend someone? (I probably will!)

What if, gasp, someone doesn’t like me!? (It’s inevitable!)

It’s hard to deal with not being liked! Am I right? When’s the last time you found out someone didn’t like you, and you’re like, “What!?Why not!? What’s wrong with them!? What’s wrong with me?” Then you spend a stupid amount of wasted time in your head wondering what you did or said that made them not like you. And it bothers you. Don’t lie and tell me you’ve never done this before.

So let’s learn together to not let this bother us. Let’s be OK with failure, or not being liked, as long as we’re trying and we’re being ourselves. There are some people out there who will say they don’t give a crap if someone doesn’t like them. But inside, I’m sure they care at least a little bit, even if they don’t admit it.

Here’s the thing: Not everyone is going to like you. We can’t go through life censoring what we say and do with the goal of being liked all the time. Just be yourself, and the people who were meant to be your friends will be. Some people we just won’t click with, and that’s ok. But, that’s what this journey for me is all about. Opening up, putting myself out there, and learning to let the negativity roll off my back and let the positivity lift me up.

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” ― Bernard M. Baruch

So, I’m curious, has anyone ever felt hesitant about putting themselves out there, and worrying about being rejected, disliked, or embarrassed? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment (at the top). Let’s form a community of connecting and lifting each other up!

Peace and Love, Leah