Embrace being different, even when it’s hard is the simple message of a young man’s poem. It’s followed by an upbeat song about how breaking up isn’t always as hard as it seems, and then continues on with an unusual mix of masculinity and flag twirling. A few more acts perform and the night is rounded off by a little improv that includes a skit on “What would Chuck Norris do?”
This is a typical Friday night at the No Shame Theater in Columbus, Ga.
Being somewhat of a poet and musician myself, I can understand the need to want to express yourself, yet feeling as though there isn’t a welcoming environment to do so. Often times, embarrassment or even shame can stifle not only our creativity but our willingness to share that creativity with the world. So what the No Shame Theater has essentially tried to do, is to give people a safe haven in order to express themselves in whatever way they choose.
I find it amazing how many people would be willing to share themselves with others if they were simply given a safe space in which to do so. But this willingness to share is not limited to the arts. It could be something as simple as teaching others a new skill, such as a marketing strategy, that they may have already learned. Or maybe sharing their personal story with those they meet both online and off.
It can sometimes be scary to allow others a glimpse at who we are, whether it be in person, through our writing, or even on video. Yet, it can also be an extremely freeing experience that not only lets people get to know you better, but that can help you grow as a person.
Everyone that I spoke with who had performed at the No Shame Theater told me that they felt a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, even those who had made some sort of mistake in the process. You see, it’s not always about getting it right but rather about getting it done.
So my challenge to you is to find your own No Shame-like safe haven in your online world. It could be your own personal blog where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and ideas. Or maybe
if you feel more comfortable on camera, building a youtube channel would be the way to go. Whatever you safe haven is, find it and put it to use for you. Learn to let go and express yourself in whatever medium you prefer.
You’d be amazed how well others respond when you simply allow them into your world, if only for a moment.
“It’s not always about getting it right but rather about getting it done.”
It’s points like these that remind me why we’re e-friends.
Seriously though Angel, great post. Everyone has something to offer, whether they know it or not. The internet is certainly a great place to let your personality free… People who like you stay, people who dis-like you leave. It’s win-win! If only more people realized this and took the leap…
Garrett
Garrett Miller´s last blog ..How Were You Purple Today?
I’m glad that we are e-friends cause where else would I learn about how to be a purple cow!?
I completely agree that it’s a win-win situation. Some will, some won’t, so what!
Thanks for stopping by Garrett and hopefully we can catch up soon.
Angel,
This is an awesome post my friend. Great experience thanks for sharing.
David Porter´s last blog ..Choose Your Direction Wisely
Glad you enjoyed it David
Thanks for stopping by!
I love this concept of no shame! You really have to just go for it online and let your personality shine. I was hesitant at first to get started and share, but would encourage anyone and everyone to adopt this attitude and go for it!
I was very hesitant about putting myself out there as well. But I found that once you finally do, you realize there was no reason to worry about it in the first place
I agree that it’s not as important to get it right as to get it done. Your No Shame Theater sounds like a wonderful place where all are welcomed and accepted for who they are…as is the way we should all strive to make this world a better place. Thanks once again for a great post.
Linda@Affiliate Online Marketing Strategies´s last blog ..The Affiliate Millionaire Scam
It really is a fantastic place and I’m so glad that I got a chance to go. I even ran into some people that I hadn’t seen in year that I went to school with, so it was a pretty great night.
I like this post and the title is catchy. Blogs are a great way to share your opinions, feelings as well as great information for others. The challenge is getting the traffic at the beginning. Thanks for sharing.
Beverly
Beverly Monical´s last blog ..Does Exercise Make You Feel Energized?
I thought the title was catchy as well, glad you like it. Thanks! Having a blog has been a really wonderful way for me to share a little about me and what I enjoy doing. So I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Getting traffic can be a bit of a problem, but I’ve found it’s actually quite easy to drive traffic to a blog, once you figure it out.
Really liked this post Angel,
I was just watching one of Mia’s video’s, and she was talking about how hard it is to be yourself when you first get started.
But if you stick to it – you get to a point where you quit worrying about what you look like, or how you might speak, and you start to become yourself.
This is definitely very great advice!
Thanks for sharing,
Sharlene
Thanks Sharlene
Mia does have some really great videos and I always like to check them out.
I’ve also found that once you get started, it’s a lot easy to keep in going. It’s that initial push to begin something that seems to be the biggest problem.
What an awesome post. I found that I’m able to be free in that sense through my blogging. It’s even given me the confidence to dabble in audio and video which I’m not sure I could have done otherwise.
Excellent post Angel.
Christopher´s last blog ..From Working For Someone to Working For Yourself
I’ve just recently started doing some on camera videos which I was really hesitant about. I’m not real comfortable in front of them, but once I did one I realized it wasn’t as bad as I thought!
Always a pleasure to see you Chris
I am a firm believer in getting it done. This is a great post Angel, I have turned towards social media to allow people to have a glimpse of myself, it works well for me.
Mick McCrory´s last blog ..How To Optimize Your MLM List
I think social media is a terrific place to allow others to get to know us better. I’ve personally enjoyed it
Angel,
While I have a comfortable place to share offline, I’ve not yet found a venue to feel secure enough to share online. Your great article makes me think that this is a path I need to explore. Hmmmm! Thanks for sharing—I’ll keep you posted!
It does take some getting used to, that’s for sure. I’m sure that you’ll find your comfort zone soon enough. Definitely keep me posted
Nice to see you as always Darlene!
Great idea for a post, Angel – you are so right saying that in order to attract we need to learn to let it go.
No Shame Theatre… wow… we need more of those:).
Blessings,
Ana/YourNetBiz
YourNetBiz Mentor´s last blog ..Top 10 Split Testing Tips to Increase Your Landing Page Conversion Rates
Great content as usual Angel. I agree with the “just get it done” analogy but you are so right when you say that people must find a method that they are comfortable with. It’s one thing to make a video but if you don’t sound confident and comfortable, you won’t win over your audience. If your not comfortable – practice makes perfect!
Christine McIvor´s last blog ..Article Marketing Secrets
Hi Angel,
Having no shame is like leaving the room that the ego has built. It’s thinking and acting with a firm belief in yourself.
It’s easy to experience life in the ego room. Stepping out takes courage as you’re bound to be ridiculed by those who wish they were brave enough to do the same.
Make it a habit. The less you care about what others think, say, or do in reponse to you being you, the better. It means being free, really.
Thanks for sharing your insight.
Ryan´s last blog ..ryanbiddulph: "The more clear and definite a vision, the more real it becomes." ~ RB
Really like this one Angel. To lay it all out there as a leader and being the one you are and want to be separates yourself out there.
Andrew Gallagher´s last blog ..Become Your Own Professional Sales Training Force.
Angel, anyone who makes it to a high degree of success in any field or industry must be willing to pursue their dreams without caring what other people have to say. Part of that journey is learning to “speak your mind” as you have suggested. I’m right there with you!
Eddie
Eddie Espiritu´s last blog ..Ready, Fire, Aim!
Sweet Post Angel,
The funny thing about being online is people think they have to be someone else. It’s totally about what you wrote about here. Having no shame and even admitting when you suck at something OR are really great at something!
That’s why I come to your posts, you’re as real and open as they come!
Ryan Yokome´s last blog ..Tips On Personally Branding Yourself With Photos!
getting over that fear of what other people may think can be a struggle at times. But hey……I don;t really think their thoughts about me are going to kill me.right? So out into the world I go! Thanks
Bill Cowan´s last blog ..Climbing Michi’s Ladder