I’m only just getting back to Substack after a long absence and just seeing this - LOVE! Helen, what you write (and create video) about always resonates with me. In fact, this morning as I read this I thought, “Is she my conscious?!?” And then realized I often think that when I read something of yours. My finding this today was perfectly timed. Once again, you nailed it and I needed to know I’m not the only one who gets stopped by those very same 2 things. Thank you, Helen! ❤️ Onward!
Just experienced this fear last night! I recorded my first ever video of me crocheting (enjoying an artist date) and I was going to post it on Instagram, but immediately stopped. I started getting the stupidest thoughts. It's difficult out here!
I am glad I've never went viral and gotten trolls visiting out of the blue, so I don't need to worry too much about people not liking what I put out there... My followers are nice. But I totally hesitate and feel fear of sharing too much or the wrong thing anyways, of course. Thanks for writing this up, I needed to hear it. Doubt is shitty but should not be listened to, right?! Right.
BTW: I enjoy videos mostly on YouTube and writing the most on Substack and/or blogs, because that's why I go to the different places - but a bit of mixing it up does not bother me (until it gets all jumbled up like on instagram and I feel tired before I even open the app, haha).
Yes to all of this! Just last night I debated with my husband the reasons I should or should not write under a pseudonym. In the end, it was all about living in fear of the way I write, the way I think, and the way I live. I’m proud of who I am and who I’m becoming, so why would I hide behind a false front? I’ve shied away from socials due to this fear but I’m stepping out and trying to be less critical and more open with the world, even as I’m still uncovering the truth myself.
I so relate to this, Helen. I never post anything on social media now without over-thinking it for absolutely ages, because it feels like it's just so easy to upset people: case in point, I posted a photo of the snow we got on New Year's Day on Threads, and at least three people tried to start an argument in the comments about where I live, as if I must have been lying about it. It was so bizarre, and really made me wary of posting there again, if even an inoffensive photo of some snow can make people want to fight! It can be absolutely paralyzing at times, but you're absolutely right about using it to document your work - I've also found it helpful to just switch off comments on You Tube altogether, so I can just post without having to worry about what people might say!
I find Threads (and X) to be such a toxic place, people being morally superior and argumentative. It’s bad for my mental health! But fighting over snow is just bizarre. I don’t get it. I also notice when cookery people or gardening people post on TikTok they get some know-it-all telling them they’re doing it wrong! I don’t know how they stand it. On Instagram years ago I was sneered at for writing on Word (I wasn’t) and drinking coffee - apparently this meant I wasn’t a proper writer 🤣.
Helen, Thanks for the uplifting, perfectly imperfect words. Your vulnerability and courage give me strength to continue my quest to grow and share my words this year.
There are so many possible ways to offend another, If we dwell on that we will paralize our creativity. Lovely words to start the year.
I am perfectly imperfect - still strive to improve but sometimes, you just have to post that imperfect video because it's the heart of your message that matters. Yes!
Thank you for this Helen - being able to show up imperfectly on whatever platforms you/I choose is important because, goodness knows, life isn't perfect and I'd much rather see and read what really goes on in life. Wishing you a great 2025 and many more posts!
I’m only just getting back to Substack after a long absence and just seeing this - LOVE! Helen, what you write (and create video) about always resonates with me. In fact, this morning as I read this I thought, “Is she my conscious?!?” And then realized I often think that when I read something of yours. My finding this today was perfectly timed. Once again, you nailed it and I needed to know I’m not the only one who gets stopped by those very same 2 things. Thank you, Helen! ❤️ Onward!
Just experienced this fear last night! I recorded my first ever video of me crocheting (enjoying an artist date) and I was going to post it on Instagram, but immediately stopped. I started getting the stupidest thoughts. It's difficult out here!
Oh I feel you! I hope you decide to post it x
I am glad I've never went viral and gotten trolls visiting out of the blue, so I don't need to worry too much about people not liking what I put out there... My followers are nice. But I totally hesitate and feel fear of sharing too much or the wrong thing anyways, of course. Thanks for writing this up, I needed to hear it. Doubt is shitty but should not be listened to, right?! Right.
BTW: I enjoy videos mostly on YouTube and writing the most on Substack and/or blogs, because that's why I go to the different places - but a bit of mixing it up does not bother me (until it gets all jumbled up like on instagram and I feel tired before I even open the app, haha).
Such brilliant insights, Helen - thank you so much. Happy new year!
Yes to all of this! Just last night I debated with my husband the reasons I should or should not write under a pseudonym. In the end, it was all about living in fear of the way I write, the way I think, and the way I live. I’m proud of who I am and who I’m becoming, so why would I hide behind a false front? I’ve shied away from socials due to this fear but I’m stepping out and trying to be less critical and more open with the world, even as I’m still uncovering the truth myself.
I so relate to this, Helen. I never post anything on social media now without over-thinking it for absolutely ages, because it feels like it's just so easy to upset people: case in point, I posted a photo of the snow we got on New Year's Day on Threads, and at least three people tried to start an argument in the comments about where I live, as if I must have been lying about it. It was so bizarre, and really made me wary of posting there again, if even an inoffensive photo of some snow can make people want to fight! It can be absolutely paralyzing at times, but you're absolutely right about using it to document your work - I've also found it helpful to just switch off comments on You Tube altogether, so I can just post without having to worry about what people might say!
I find Threads (and X) to be such a toxic place, people being morally superior and argumentative. It’s bad for my mental health! But fighting over snow is just bizarre. I don’t get it. I also notice when cookery people or gardening people post on TikTok they get some know-it-all telling them they’re doing it wrong! I don’t know how they stand it. On Instagram years ago I was sneered at for writing on Word (I wasn’t) and drinking coffee - apparently this meant I wasn’t a proper writer 🤣.
Helen, Thanks for the uplifting, perfectly imperfect words. Your vulnerability and courage give me strength to continue my quest to grow and share my words this year.
There are so many possible ways to offend another, If we dwell on that we will paralize our creativity. Lovely words to start the year.
Happy New Year to you! And thank you.
Thanks for sharing this, Helen! Just in time, I needed to hear those thoughts! 😌🫶❤️
Thank you for sharing this.
I’ve had wobbles about sharing my life through posts, newsletters, photos and videos.
I reassured myself that I’m doing all of this to connect primarily to myself. If anything resonates with others then that’s a bonus.
I then reassure myself that I’m worthy of connection.
Everyone deserves connection (and compassion) even if that’s mainly from yourself.
This manages my expectation of myself and others. Xx
I’m so pleased it’s resonated. And yes, everyone does deserve connection and compassion x
I am perfectly imperfect - still strive to improve but sometimes, you just have to post that imperfect video because it's the heart of your message that matters. Yes!
Keep writing - love your perspective!
Absolutely! And wanting it to be perfect can stop you from creating. Thank you! ❤️
Thank you for this Helen - being able to show up imperfectly on whatever platforms you/I choose is important because, goodness knows, life isn't perfect and I'd much rather see and read what really goes on in life. Wishing you a great 2025 and many more posts!
Thanks Joan. Hope your 2025 is fabulous!