Sharing unlocks a new level of vulnerability. It is truly terrifying for me to put my work out into the world and sharing it on social media is that next level terrifying.
Wading through that vulnerability can be draining. I am a private person and VERY few people truly KNOW me. I don't overshare, I curate what I allow people to know. That's not a malicious act, I have no intention of manipulating anyone, it's an act of self-preservation. I was born with the instinctual knowledge that not everything needs to be shared with the world.
Ask me pointed questions? I don't exactly dodge the question, I choose my words VERY carefully - honestly, nothing that I ever say is off the cuff or frivolous. Words have meaning and once said, they can't be retracted. I then deflect and guide that conversation right back to them.
Listening is something I do well. So turning the conversation toward someone else is a defense mechanism as well as a chance to let them be heard - a win, win.
I seem like an open book. I'll let you know that I've gone through some $%&#, but I won't share what $%&# I've been through. People who have known me most of my life don't really know me. And, I refuse to ask for help until I'm desperate.
As you can guess, the whole posting my work on social media is not my idea of a good time. Plus, I'll admit it, I'm part of that generation that was introduced to technology in my late teens. Tech hasn't been a major part of my life like so many on social media today.
I've never been afraid to try new things. I jump in and learn as I go, but that can get messy. I dove in to social media and gave it a go. Instagram, was completely new to me. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was gonna do it anyway. Then doubt and second guessing took control. You know, comparison can be a dream killer. I ignored my lifelong attitude of "I do what I want and I don't care what anyone thinks," and went down that rabbit hole.
"Experts" and coaches post a lot of material online - I mean A LOT. The more I read, the worse I felt about my own account and the more stressed I felt because I didn't have a "plan," I wasn't posting several times a day, I wasn't following trends...blah, blah, blah. So, overwhelmed, I retreated - and posted nothing. Go check it out, you'll see, I hung in there until just before Christmas last year and then - crickets. Oh, and by the way, those same experts will also tell you that means death to any social media account.
As I said, I'm not good at asking for help, and there are far too many "experts" saying too many things. So, I've decided that I'm going back to my "I do what I want and I don't care what anyone thinks" attitude. If I'm going to post on social media it's because I want to, not because I HAVE to or I'm following any hard and fast "rules." It will be an instinctual practice, because I need to honor myself and not let the machine or algorithm drive my decisions.
While I have a difficult time putting myself out there and getting on video - watching myself and hearing my own voice is always difficult - I'm perfectly comfortable standing in front of a class full of strangers teaching them how to do what I do. I'm completely comfortable in my element, so I need to settle with the fact that the camera and I can be friends.
I'm not perfect. I try to create beautiful cards that add to the beauty of real connection. This is more important than the way I look or sound. So, who knows, you may even see me in a video on social media from time to time - never say never I guess.
I have a lot of history and personal investment in card-making - well over 20 years. While I don't have a lot of history on social media, and a lot of people think that's super important, I can figure it out and fake it til I make it. I love creating, but I want my creations to be meaningful and useful. I'm feeling the same way about my social media accounts. So if your social feed is full of stuff that stresses you out, why not look at pictures of pretty cards and read captions that encourage meaningful connections?
I do create art for arts sake, but that's just for me - for now. The cards that I create are meant to catch your attention. They're meant to hold the well-wishes and prayers, the intentions and information that you want to share with those you know and love. They are meant to carry those things to the address on the envelope in a way that texting or emailing can't. A more intimate and personal connection for both you and the recipient.
Connection gives our lives meaning and purpose. And while connecting through happy mail is my business, connecting with you on social media is a necessity. My relationship with social media will be on my terms and will reinforce the need to make deeper connections than any that tech has to offer.
I may not have a social media "plan," but I definitely have a purpose. I appreciate you for traveling this path with me, even when it gets messy. I'll do my best to step outside my comfort zone a bit more in order to share one of the best and most meaningful ways of connecting to those who are important in your life. I still have no idea what I'm doing, and it might get messy, but how about you join me anyway?
One more thing. You could help me out if you would follow @anchorandinks on Facebook and Instagram and then share the posts that spark an interest and bring you happiness. I'd love to grow a community around the art of sending happy mail. Oh, and if you love the cards that you order from me, please share them on your socials and tag @anchorandinks. I would love to hear from you and would very much appreciate some good press!
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Quote Of The Week
"One day, the mountain that is in front of you will be so far behind you, it will barely be visible in the distance. But the person you become in learning to get over it? That will stay with you forever. And that is the point of the mountain.
- Brianna Wiest |
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Haven't Bought Anything Yet?
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See you next week!
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Just a note, the stories and images, and things I share in my Anchor Drop Newsletter are ©anchorandinks. Please enjoy them, and even share them with others - but please, only in the context of my newsletter - you aren't authorized to remove them, use them, or pass them along out of this context. Thanks!
