If you read the newsletter or are in The Society, you know that I’m trying to limit the time spent on the net so that I can focus more on writing. Basically, I’ve decided to do away with inconsequential posts and focus on defining who I am and what readers can expect when they pick up one of my books.

In order to do this, I’m once again stepping outside my comfort zone and trying something new. I’ve added videos to the mix, which are being posted in The Society. And instead of playing it safe and resharing popular time-suck posts, I’m taking a risk and creating my own graphics. I’ve even started posting pictures with me in them.  *gasp*

Good Lord. Has the world turned upside down?

I’m an introvert. And extremely self-consious. I hate being seen. But then I remembered a commencement speech Jim Carrey gave a few years ago. If you haven’t listened to it, it’s definitely worth the time.  Carrey imparts great wisdom and sparks of genius interwoven in a rich vein of humor.

After listening to his speech again, I decided to place three of my favorite quotes on the dream board. The first two are as follows:

“So many of us choose our path out of fear disguised as practicality. What we really want seems impossibly out of reach and ridiculous to expect, so we never dare to ask the universe for it. I’m proof that you can ask the universe for it.”

and

“You can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance at doing what you love.”

These quotes ring true with me. But the third resonates so deep within that it has become my mantra. I decided to create a graphic with the quote and place it on Instagram. The original had a woman climbing a mountain as the focal picture. But it didn’t seem strong enough … it wasn’t the message I wanted to convey.

And so I replaced it with an image taken from the last video posted in The Society.

It was an epiphanal moment–one that took my breath away.

Most will probably scroll past this image and not think a thing about it. They have no idea how I struggled to even post it nor the reason behind it.

But this is one of the most meaningful posts I’ve ever created because it’s a testament of strength, a statement of self-worth. My picture next to that quote was me declaring war on a lifetime of hiding in the shadows. Of keeping quiet instead of speaking out. Of allowing others opinions to smother my dreams.

So here it is. This is me, taking a risk, being seen in all of my glory.