Fear of what people would think is holding a lot of us in a chokehold.
It’s really tightening it’s muscles round some of our necks so much so that it gets us holding back even when what we want to do is to let go. I mean that zeal, skill or energy to do something is there inside you. It really pricks your interest. Just thinking about it makes you want to combust in flames.
But you drive it far away because of the fear of what people would think about you.
On a list of one to a thousand good dancers, I would probably rank number 1001. Which means I’m actually one of the worst dancers in the world. But will that stop me from dancing when I feel like it? The answer is a big NO.
Living your life according to the fear of what people would think stems from a culture of shame. A place where people project their own shame of what they think is acceptable onto you. Which makes you want to sit in silence. And deny yourself of joy and happiness because someone might judge you wrongly.
If you want to avoid blame, shame, judgement, criticism: Do nothing, Say Nothing, Go nowhere. Because it’s a part of the human experience. So to give up who we really are, in an effort to be perfect, so we’re never judged, is a terrible waste of our time and energy and absolutely gets in front of our gifts.
Brene Brown
Although, I guess we can’t completely free ourselves from the fear of what people would think because as humans, we are known as social beings. Meaning we cherish connections and derive joy in being part of a community. And just how do we get that connection, if we are in our own little world doing what other humans don’t approve of. So it makes sense if sometimes we just want to blend in with the crowd.
But to let that fully consume us, to let it dictate everything we do. From the way we talk, to the way we eat, to the clothes we wear or the hobbies we indulge in, is a great disservice to ourselves.
For me, part of being unfiltered means being in a space where I can be my total, complete and honest self in. A place where I’m comfortable in my own skin. Doing what I want, when I want as long as it’s not a source of harm to another person. And being in that space takes a lot of vulnerability ( I talked more about this here ).
And that is why I have this blog where I share my thoughts, experiences and struggles with you all. While at the same time not bothering myself about the judgment that is going to bring me. So really, if all you want to do at a particular point in time, is sing or dance or be goofy, don’t let nothing hold you back. So you can fully experience the joy and happiness that comes with being your authentic self.
