We all have a story to tell. In fact, we all have many stories to tell. Some people are afraid of letting their walls down and being vulnerable, but sometimes that's the best thing you can do. You have no clue how far your story can go, and who will read it. Not only will your readers feel closer to you, but they might even be inspired. You may catch someone at a similar point in their life, and feeling like they are not alone can mean so much to a person.
The scariest part of telling your story is the unknown. You have no way of knowing how others will read it, and what they will think. This is OK. You will never have complete control of what other people think, so you need to learn to let go. Do it for those who will appreciate it, not for those who will judge it.
There will always be critics no matter what you do.
The internet can be a scary place these days. Not only are people extremely opinionated, but they now have a "shield" to hide behind while they write their mean and nasty thoughts. One thing to remember is that most of these people would never say it to your face, and it is not a reflection of you. People who feel the need to tear other people down only do it because they are lacking in their own lives. They feel
inadequate and insecure, so they tear down others who they are jealous of. Take it as a compliment.
The truth of the matter is, you will always get more positive feedback than negative. You will reach people who genuinely appreciate your honesty and vulnerability, and they will feel the need to tell you how much your story meant to them. These people will assure you of why you did it in the first place, and you will know that you did the right thing.
If you are a business owner or marketer, you shouldn't hesitate to tell your story. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's easy to get lost in the noise. People have become "blind" to billboards and advertisements, because they are around every corner. If you want to attract people, you have to be relatable. Once they hear your story, and can relate it to their own lives, they will feel a more emotional attraction to your company, which can build long-lasting relationships.
The best thing I ever did was tell my own story after losing a significant amount of weight. I was so scared to open up my deepest emotions to the world, but it turned out to be so amazing. I touched people that I have never even met before, and I inspired others to follow their own dreams and take charge of their own lives. Sure, it was scary putting it all out there to be judged, and I'm sure there were critics out there, but that amounts to nothing compared to the feeling of support from others.
I encourage you to go out and tell your story. Whether it's online, to a friend, or even to a stranger, tell it. Own your story, and know that it is uniquely yours. No one else on this earth has the same exact story or perspective as you do.
For more from Gabrielle, visit My Life on a Whim