What Scares You?
Tonight I went to the opening night of the Platform Conference that my dad Michael Hyatt is hosting. It’s all about learning how to create a platform and a tribe where people begin to relate and follow you. One of the speakers this week is author Jeff Goins. I remember when I first heard him at the Blissdom Conference (a conference for woman bloggers). One of the main questions he posed was “What Scares You?” He encouraged everyone to go home and blog about what frightens them. We’re not talking about the dark or heights, but what in your life freaks the crap out of you. Those are the things that create authenticity with your readers, that thing that makes you instantly relatable because you are being YOU. So here is goes…
A Couple ConfessionsToday I was gearing up for a night of networking with lots of bloggers who have very large platforms. I was (I AM) intimidated by this. I went to the mall to shop for some clothes that made me look “professional.” I feel the need to look the part. It’s the 1st time that I have bought clothes since I have lost 30 pounds in the past 4 months. I feel like a freaking rock star. However, those stores didn’t make me feel that way. It was hard to find anything that fit me, and everyone kept directing me to the back of the store for those special sizes.
Then tonight I heard something from my dad that really resonated with me:
“So many people quit right before they succeed. – Michael Hyatt”
Confession #1: Most of the time I feel like a fraud. How will people take me seriously tonight when I tell them I blog about local food, health and natural lifestyle when I still have weight too loose. Doesn’t that negate all my credibility? As I was sharing this with my husband he reminded me that it’s all about my story. It’s not where I finish, but the journey I am on that people can relate to. And it’s not about perfectionism. I’m in the thick of it, sitting in the muck. It’s not time to quit, but to keep moving one foot in front of the other and to be honest with where I am at.
Confession #2: I’m still overweight. I still eat out most nights of the week. But I have never felt better. I’m no longer stuck – but am moving. I am moving forward and change is happening. I have told several of my friends that this year has begun with this feeling of being broken wide open. I am moving past several layers of old stuff that has needed attention and healing. I am moving through blocks. I am shedding the weight literally and figuratively.
Confession #3: Change scares me! But staying where I am scares me more. My whole life is dedicated to moving forward. No stone is being left unturned. No method is being scoffed at. I’m looking at it all, and trying it all. I went to my acupunctusit today, I meditated today, I juiced this morning, I used all my essential oils, and attended a conference about building my platform. Oh yea, and went shopping (gag!).
This year, I hope to be more transparent in my writing. I hope to share what I have done to foster and create change. It’s all an experiment, and I am figuring it out along the way. But one thing is for sure: I am looking my fears straight in the eyes, challenging them and my fears are surrendering. I am a fierce woman, so 2013 hear me ROAR! I hope you will join me for the ride.
WHAT ARE YOUR FEARS? AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO FACE THEM?
Love your post, Mary. God does bless authenticity in His people. I’m 42 and over-weight. But this year something is different. I’ve resolved to make a life-altering change in my priorities. Getting healthy and staying there at ALL COST is my drive this year. I’ve exercised 6 days a week for the past 6 weeks now, and my motivation has not weakened one bit. What’s different? I have a mentor and I’ve built accountability into my life. Good luck and bless you in your experiment to create change.
I’m calling it the “Year of Jubilee”
Way to act and to move forward. Thanks for sharing part of your story!
I too loved your post – Jeff was right.
I also totally love your notion of declaring for yourself a “Year of Jubilee.”
PS. I think you should pick a word as a theme for your year (like FORWARD or JUBILEE maybe). Then come post it at http://www.myoneword.org.
Mary,
Dontcha want to just slap those salespeople upside the head when they point you to the “special sizes?”
Losing 30 pounds in FOUR months is an incredible accomplishment; I can understand why you’re all about feeling like a rock star.
Love your blog; love your heart; love your writing.
Yes Becky, it can be really frustrating. Thanks so much for your sweet words!
Great post! Proud of you, Mary!
Thanks Benita!
Hi Mary, I heard about this post on Twitter through your Dad.
These kinds of posts are my favorite. I love it when real people share their real struggles, including the thoughts that haunt them. I’ve had many of the same worries and struggles as you have. I want to encourage you- you said you were/are worried about being taken seriously. I believe that your circumstances, your journey, give you credibility with your audience. You are living proof that what you’re doing works. What better way to tell a story?
God can use anything for good, and He definitely is doing some wonderful things in you. Thank you for sharing this.
Erin, so glad you found me. Thanks so much. I appreciate all the encouragement, and will keep telling my story.
Thanks for the blog. It was very encouraging and motivational. I want to blog but I’m afraid of two things: failure and not being able to keep blogging for the long haul. I’m in the middle of writing a book (my first) but I fear it may not get published. Yikes! Your honesty about your fears gave me a shot of confidence this morning. I hope you keep going strong and enjoying life to the uttermost!
Jorge, thanks so much for your comment. As my dad said last night. Perfectionism is the mother of procrastination. You can do it, just start!
My greatest fear would be to stay where I am, to get comfortable and complacent about my faith. I began living this year All In. Im not going to allow myself or others to keep me where I’m at. I’ve joined Platform University, said yes to facilitating a group of pastors in our area and things are starting to move in the direction I need them to go! ROAR!!!
Dean, I totally identify with that! Way to go, you’re unstoppable – ROAR!!
Mary, the most radiant women are those who are fully alive, wide open, ready to drink deeply of all that life offers them. You are radiant. Thank you for allowing all of us to bask in your glow.
You are too sweet. Thank you. I’m lucky to be surrounded by radiant women like you.
Awesome. I’m learning that although our media tries to portray perfection most often, people usually dig authenticity. We don’t always go for the experts in something but someone who is vulnerable, enthusiastic and LOVES the journey. They’ve got a goal or a commitment in mind but the really DIG the journey!! Love what you have done here!
You are absolutely right Robert. Thanks for your comment.
Beautifully said Mary! Your willingness to explore and be transparent is so inspiring. Love this, and love you!
Thanks girl. You inspire me everyday! Love you!
For what it’s worth, I like Christopher Banks for “grown-up” clothes in all sizes. Granted, some are too cutsie, but they have lots of classy, stylish clothes and prices are reasonable – and the sale racks are in the back, not the larger sizes!
LOVE this blog post – I can relate to every single part of it. Thanks for sharing this….very well done.
Thanks Joy!
Mary, though we’ve never met I’ve seen you, i’ve prayed for you, and I’ve liked you immensely from afar. You see you.do.life. Whether its at the garden, with your family, or through your writing, you have been brave enough to engage, to change, to be about what you’re about. I admire that and I completely appreciate that you do it even when it doesn’t come with an instruction book of how to do it easily.
Thank you for being the kind heart you are. You have helped me more than once in person and online…and that speaks volumes for you indeed helped a stranger….because, well, that’s who you are!
Sweetie Berry
Wow, thank you so much! That means so much to me to hear you say that. So great to “meet” you and to have helped in any small or big way!
Hi i love your comment but my fears for now is approching the one it love the most but i will make a move now because the fear of rejection is gone now and how can you help me get a copy of platform so i can read and join the winning team.
Truly one of the most authentic and identifiable blogs or ever read! I am so blessed to call you my friend and I can’t wait to take this journey with you. You do Freakin ROCK and not just your new fab bod! You are a true inspiration!!!!! Love you!
Thanks girl! You are so precious. Love you too!
Love this! It is all about the direction your moving. I love how authentic you are and that’s what speaks to people. I am so proud of you and you are such an inspiration to me. Keep up the great work. I love you bunches!
Thank you. That means a lot to me. Love you!
I love this post, Mary. I love the woman you are. You really inspire me! Love you!
Thanks Dad! Love you too