Authenticity in Your Online Presence and Practice
I had the chance to sit down with Miranda Palmer of Zynnyme to talk about how my Instagram has led to success in my business.
As an introvert and shy person, starting a business Instagram page was more comfortable when Instagram was all about pretty photos and inspiring captions. Fast forward to a world of videos and Reels. Honestly, I was unsure of what to post and some days I’m still not sure how things I post will land. Then I remembered to be ME. Some may not agree with a post, it may not resonate with others, OR it may be exactly what someone needs that day or inspires them. When my doubts sneak up, I focus on the latter. BUT I am human so yes some comments have rocked me. When that happens, I focus on doing things that make me WHOLE, hold off on responding (if I respond at all), and check-in with trusted colleagues and friends to learn from the experience. And YES I have checked in with my therapist to process and learn more about me.
So back to it. How did I break free of my shyness on social media and now doing podcasts!?! I focus on being ME. Being 100% AUTHENTIC. Giving myself grace when I feel that I mess up and not be so hard on myself. This attitude has not come overnight but has been years of work. I also moved into doing Instagram stories. For me these were easier as I didn’t overthink and spoke from my heart in the moment. Plus they only last 24 hours and are easy to delete. Then when Covid and the pandemic hit, I felt the need to keep reaching out to my clients and others who I knew were struggling so much with anxiety, depression, and loneliness. We were all seeking connection. I figured if I could inspire others during this time, show them my coping skills and be a support that it would be worth it to push my own discomfort aside. The more I posted stories … and the more positive feedback … the more comfortable I became.
That brings me to the present. Even though I still am very much an introvert and consider myself shy, I know I have a message to share. A message I always wanted to share on a podcast one day. A mission to share tools and guide others to Evolve into who they want and are meant to be. I love, love, love doing individual therapy but always have this desire to reach more people. To show them that they can overcome and use their past to move forward. That the challenges we go through do indeed mold us. We can use them to move forward or to be stuck.
I was lucky enough to be asked by Miranda to be on the Starting a Counseling Practice podcast. I’m grateful that Miranda and Kelly noticed the work I’ve been doing not only in my business but in my social media. This first podcast experience was amazing and Miranda made it a comfortable process. Honestly, when the release date came up I was hesitant to listen to it. I mean who really likes to hear themselves or see themselves on video!?! I don’t know how movie stars do that!! I’m far from a movie star but I feel like a rockstar for going after my dreams and being on my first podcast. Not gonna lie, I felt like I blacked out and vaguely remember what I said. That's adrenaline for you!!
So here it is Being Authentic Post
Or you can watch it on YouTube hereBeing Authentic and Creating a Following with Abbey
You will have more chances in the future to see or hear me on Podcasts. I’ve already recorded on another one and am working on connecting with other Podcasts.
If you have a Podcast you think would be a good fit for me to be on, feel free to email me suggestions or an intro to your podcast at abbey@evolvingwhole.com
If you are someone who struggles with fears and/or anxiety preventing them from moving forward on their dreams, let's connect and work together. Head HERE to connect and set up your free 15-minute consultation.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. We can work together to make your goals and dreams come true.
Image provided by: ZynnyMe
