People don’t usually believe me when I tell them this, but I’m actually really, really shy. No, seriously. Hear me out. I wrestle with self-doubt, imposture syndrome, not-enoughness…and all the other usual stuff shy people and introverts (and most other humans) deal with.

The thing is, I also really love to solve problems, build communities, create experiences for people, and explore cool shit. I also love to teach and guide and lead.

On top of that, I also truly believe that conscious communication is the foundation of conscious communities and that conscious communities can do a whole lot of good in this world. And it’s incredibly important to me to be a part of that.

So then…for me, there is no other choice than to show up, put myself out there, speak out and share ideas and information, and take up space physically, emotionally, and intellectually.  

And let me tell you this:

I very often have to do all of this in spite of whatever fear or discomfort I am feeling inside.

I know what it’s like to walk into a room and assume every single person is older, wiser, more educated, more well-traveled, more this, more that or the other thing.

I know what it’s like to have to fight through the fear, fog and self-doubt just to take up just the tiniest amount of space and then hope, hope, hope that I didn’t just look like an absolute dumbass.

I also know what it’s like to weave new confidence and communication practices into each day and watch your life – and the lives of the people around you, bloom in the most beautiful, magical ways you couldn’t even imagine.

So, if you feel shy or introverted, or otherwise sort of tucked into yourself, or a little disconnected from others, or unable to access the fullest, deepest part of yourself or your voice, then my invitation to you is to remember this:

You are most definitely not alone, and you can most definitely make changes to how you operate in – and connect with, the world around you.

You are a human in a body having experiences…just like all the rest of us. You are equally worthy of interacting with others as they are with you, and you get to do it in your own way on your own terms. Sends a little shiver of excitement up the spine, right? 🙂

I’ll leave you with a thought prompt:

What kind of magic could you create in the world around you by weaving some new confidence and communication practices into your daily life?