#find your voice

[lousydrawingsforgoodpeople]

[escapingthelabryinth]

Just a reminder that a true friend doesn't suggest you swallow your feelings and move on with your life when something is bothering you. They are the ones who push you to open up, to deal with issues head on, and to progress. They are the ones who understand that anxiety is not self-made, it's not asked-for, and it's definitely not attention-seeking. They are the ones who are not afraid to admit they may not understand what you're experiencing, but they trust that you do and that you know what the best way for yourself to cope is.

Don't settle for anything less than a TRUE friend.

[dearjewels22]

don't doubt yourself. Big "fuck you" to fear.

[swolesome]

Hi Swolesome,

I enjoy your content on YouTube, and I was wondering if I could ask for some advise.

I'm a writer among other things (another one of those things is also being a fellow bisexual disaster), and I do a lot of writing on this and other sites. But lately I've been thinking about trying my hand at starting my own channel on YouTube.

I don't exactly have high expectations for my future channel in terms of how many people will watch, nor am I anywhere near expecting to acquire much in terms of monetary gain. I don't exactly expect to gain the following the likes that Contrapoints or Philosophy Tube have gained over the years

But I do have ideas to share for video essays topics (original ideas and work with sources cited of course, I've been keeping up with that particular discourse). I guess what I'm trying to say is I could use a little advice as someone who is just starting out. What to do, what to say, HOW to say things? I'm not the best actor, but I think I'm fairly descent in terms of presenting things (I've also been pretty good at writing both fiction AND essays both online and in school).

Also maybe some tips on actually creating videos.

Thank you :)

Hey! So glad you reached out, and thank you so much--I'm really happy to hear you enjoy the content I make. :) Also stoked to hear you're looking to start a channel of your own! It sounds like you're coming at it from a very realistic place, because it's kinda thankless work, especially in the early days. Some people know how to game the algorithm, but I am sadly not one of them, so I don't want to lead you astray on that front (FD Signifier would be a good source there, he has some more recent videos talking about content creation with some tips and tricks included.) The advice I can confidently offer is to be yourself. And I know that sounds like cliché right out of an after school special, but I mean it. What do you love? What perspective do you bring to a subject? If you're more of a presenter, you might find yourself connecting with educational content. If you're a writer, you might be drawn to storytelling or poetry. One of the nice things about videos as a medium, if the focus is specifically art and communication, is that they're so flexible. I fell into my style of videos because I genuinely love connecting with people and encouraging honest examination of thoughts, emotions, and how they interact; this is why I never say anything unless I mean it. Even if I later come to change my mind on a subject (which definitely happens), I think it's important to give people the same honesty I'm trying to encourage in them. Every YouTuber has an onscreen persona, of course. We all contain multitudes and it's important to have your self-self and your visible-self, if that makes sense, both for your style to come forward and for your mental health. But the content that will be the most enjoyable and rewarding will be whatever you can bring sincerity to. While there is certainly something to be said for acting as a talent in itself, I personally love creating and viewing YouTube content that gives a glimpse into the person making it. It doesn't have to be baring your soul (not unless that's what you want), but rather something about yourself that you're secure in sharing: an artistic talent, education you've received, your sense of humour--that part is up to you.

And don't get discouraged if there's something you want to talk about that other people have already addressed. This is something I still struggle with, worrying that my voice is just adding clutter, but we need more people sharing their passions and insights. Every perspective brings something new and increases the likelihood of someone else connecting with the subject. Whether you're everyone's cup of tea or someone's shot of whiskey, you're reaching others. Finding your voice is the key to getting started, recognizing its value is the drive to keep going. Oh, and on the tech side, if you had to select only one thing starting out, make sure it's a good mic. For a hearing audience, good audio is often the deciding factor as to whether or not someone will watch. You got this! 💙

[joiultra]

Political capital reflects access to power, organizations, connection to resources and power brokers. Political capital also refers to the ability of people to find their own voice and to engage in actions that contribute to the well being of their community.

Mary Emery & Cornelia Flora, Spiraling-up: Mapping community transformation with community capitals framework. In the journal Community development, 37(1), Spr 2006

[sandramiksaauthor]

Journaling for Beginners: find your voice, change your life, and manifes...

[daughterofanarcissistwoman]

I’m not afraid of them anymore.

I’ve become who I needed when I was a child.

[thoughtsofanunorganizedmind]

張哲瀚 Zhehan Zhang《憂傷的晴朗》Official Lyric Video

Zhang Zhehan!!!!! ♡♡♡♡

[tattoorue]

[the-healing-mindset]

Source: https://www.facebook.com/SOULSHAPING/posts/655040582653266

[danu2203]

[thestoryinsideyou]

[federicasjourney]

So... around two weeks ago my Spotify plan was not renewed. I am finding more peace and freedom in singing while driving, without any music in the background. Less stimuli to deal with, my body is happier! And I get to be more creative and use my voice. I love this! I also love driving around, which is very enjoyable while singing and making up music!

[kissforvoid]

forever and ever greatful that i have a voice 🫶🏼

a voice to support my self and my beliefs.

[lunaprincipessa]

ENTRY FIFTY-FIVE

Find your voice!

Use your voice!

I think any of us that have been through shyness and insecurity, abuse and isolation, a mixture of those things, or anything in between, have heard those two phrases. Probably even heard them more than once huh? But what do they mean exactly? Is there a difference between them?

"Finding your voice means you know who you are at your core, devoid of outside influence. Using your voice means expressing yourself, having an opinion, vocalizing your thoughts, being heard and seen in your own authentic way."

Interesting! Although they are different, I think it takes courage to find and use your voice regardless of age, culture, income, upbringing, or preferred form of identity.

So how do we do this? How do we find our voice and how do we use it once it's found?

Knowing yourself at your core takes some serious introspection. Introspection is the examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes. Though it is conscious level analysis, it can still help you get to know you! Remember, you can go about this however you choose to. You can go as light as personality quizzes or as deep as exploring the subconscious with a psychologist. The main goal here is seeing what makes you, you; "what makes you tick" as the old saying goes.

Now using your voice, I wanted to look that up. I came across "voice types." Kinda thought I hit a little goldmine there but it was about singing. lol Okay, so no different voice types but there are some critical skills to be considered and utilized while the searching and obtaining of said voice are under construction. They are as follows:

~ knowing when to speak up

~ knowing when to listen

~ being assertive and confident

~ effectively expressing yourself

~ being influential

~ collaborating successfully

Knowing when to speak up because ya gotta choose your battles! Sometimes, being safe and left in peace should be prioritized over being right. Knowing when to listen is vital as well. Listening helps us develop what we need for finding and using our voice by teaching us whatever it is we need to know in that particular moment.

Next, know the difference between being assertive and being aggressive! Know the difference between confidence and arrogance! Do not confuse the two!

Effectively expressing yourself means you're saying everything that needs to be said without insult. In addition, effective expression also goes without unnecessary or untrue information. You don't have to put a lot of thought into being influential by the way. Everything is a copy of a copy nowadays so in my view:

being your true self = being influential

And finally, collaborating successfully because sometimes you may need a helping hand from your support system, your tribe, your chosen family, your people! You need reliable people you can trust in your corner. That, and it builds a sense of community which is enriching to everyone.

So there it is! Find and use your voice! One thing I wanted to conclude with, because this has happened to me a million times being a survivor of (covert) narcissistic abuse and having frenemies at nearly every age...

Even if you feel no one will believe you, speak up for yourself anyway. Yes, choose your battles and know when to speak, but if it's one of those times to speak, trust me...

You will feel way worse not having said anything at all versus speaking up for yourself and no one believing you. You'll be glad you did, you'll be proud of yourself. It won't immediately change your environment, taking all the assholes out or something like that. But you will feel a little more strength and tolerance come out when you do. Best of luck to all of us out here.

More thoughts later.

[roseacademia]

I have no words

None that will get me anywhere 😂