The Balancing Act

Last week I wrote about my daughter. I shared a few personal moments about our experiences as creators and facing our fears together.

I was asked why I didn't include a photo of my daughter in the newsletter.

I considered it at the time. I decided not to.

It was an easy choice. And it has little to do with my privacy…

I’ve shared quite a bit about my likes and dislikes, fears, accomplishments, goals and experiences related to my current creative path. I’ve written about my daughter, husband and others in the past year as part of my writing journey (although, I find myself talking more about my two cats than my human family!).

I have waves of anxiety where I feel like I share either too much or not enough. I want to be respectful of what I share especially when it involves others. I also want to respect the privacy of my family. There are certain things they do not want to be distributed to the masses. I spoke to my daughter about last week's newsletter before I even started to write it. And she was given the option to help edit. I am thinking of her legacy too. This journey is not only about me.

When I first joined Twitter I was surprised how quickly I wanted to dispense personal info about myself with complete strangers. I was never sure where I needed to draw the line when it came to being either too closed or too open. Certain things can easily be taken out of context when you don't know someone personally. I have held back on my humour and writing style at times because I don't want to offend. But then I worry if I do this too often I am not being my true self.

To combat some of these conflicting thoughts, I think about how much I want to know about others.

For example, I try to keep up with other writers’ journeys. Whether they label themselves as established or aspiring, I am always interested in their processes. I love when they share their wins and struggles. I appreciate their honesty and vulnerability. It makes me feel more human. Some writers will share a bit extra about their homes and families because they are in a comfortable place in their lives to do so. It inspires me to share similarly in the future.

I’ve confessed to being frightened of social media in the past. I didn’t want certain parts of my life known to strangers or even people I already knew. I am feeling more comfortable on Twitter because of the connections I’ve made and the people I like to observe. It didn’t happen overnight. I made some amazing bonds with individuals because my self-confidence grew.

Besides, why join social media to be… NOT SOCIAL?

It’s a balancing act to determine how much and how often to distribute personal information. There is no right or wrong way. It remains a personal choice and comes down to a level of comfort. I go with the flow and trust my heart and my gut at the time of sharing.

It is difficult to build community and establish relationships without some level of sharing, whether online or in real life. I find myself at times being more vulnerable to show camaraderie. This is challenging for me because others in my past made me feel like my opinions or thoughts don’t matter. I become stuck in a shell not knowing when to come out. When others share their vulnerability openly, it encourages me to stop hiding.

My writing journey and how other aspects of my life connect to it are cherished experiences and lessons I enjoy making public. I respect my family, friends and other connections enough to make sure they are not left in a vulnerable or uncomfortable spot with anything I share. I hope for the same from others about me.

I also hope one day to share more exciting news, like a link to my first published piece or a book cover design. Until then, I will continue to share my journey with you. I will continue to do what I know, which is to write from my gut.

As for my daughter, Lilo has opted out of her photo being shared in my newsletter at this time. Mimi, on the other hand, LOVES the camera! Here’s another personal share - a photo of my morning writing companion for the past 528 days (and counting!).

Enjoy the fuzzy feelings, and continue creating the best way you know how!

Naddy/Nad