Emma Kaye
Be True To Yourself
I’ve always been rather shy. Speaking in public is a nightmare. Social situations make me squirm. What do I do if I see someone I know, but am not close to? Do I say stop to hello? Is it rude if I don’t? What if they’re in the midst of a conversation? Do they even know who I am? Do they care?
I’d say it’s gotten easier over the years, but it hasn’t. Not really. I’m still shy and unsure of how to act in many cases.
What’s improved over time is my acceptance of myself. I spent years trying to be a different person. I wanted to be self-confident, the life of the party, a kick-ass heroine that knew just what to say to put that hero or villain in his place.
Um, not so much.
But that’s okay.
I wasn’t happy trying to be something I wasn’t. My first job out of college was in advertising. After an internship in a large advertising firm, I thought, gee I wish I was like so-and-so, the smooth talking, always on the go ad exec. I wasn’t. Not even close. But I thought, fake it ’til I make it, right?
Bad move. I was miserable. I could do the job, sure. But I didn’t like it and so while I got the job done, I wasn’t anything special.
Being true to yourself is important. It took me a while to realize that, but I’m so much happier now that I know it.
I never imagined I’d be a writer. To think I could tell a story someone would want to read was pure hubris. I thought my husband would think I was crazy when I mentioned I was thinking of trying to write a book. Instead, he said it was a great idea.
Thank goodness he had more confidence in me than I had in myself.
Link: www.emma-kaye.com/books
19 COMMENTS
Go Emma! Nothing wrong with being shy – it just led you to your true calling!
Ah, I don’t know what it’s like to be shy, although I’m not crazy about public speaking. Being an author and editor who has given workshops has helped with that, though. Very good advice, be true to yourself. That’s the best way to be content in life. I love Lobster Cove series, congrats on your release!
I’m chuckling Emma, because I’m not what you’d call shy, but I am an introvert – totally! I like nothing better than hibernating in the winter so I don’t have to “See” people! As writers sometimes we interact better with the people in our heads than the people in the room! Bless you for staying true to yourself – you’re a great writer because of it! Happy Holidays.
I’m chuckling here, because as your opposite, an extrovert, I’ve been thinking lately that I’d probably write more and share more if I were introverted like you. Being a people person means my ‘stuff’ is out there…not churning interestingly inside. So don’t think extroverts have it made…far from it!
Emma, I thought at first you were talking about me.:) It looks like you tagged several of us writers. Congratulations on the wonderful support from you DH. Loved the post.
True. Shyness is an assets sometimes.
How can any of us fit in with average people when we have so many people, places, and adventures in our heads? Some of us are fortunate to fine a special person who appreciates our weirdness.
Excellent post. I know it hits home with most of us in one way or another. Being your self and accepting yourself can be one of the hardest things. Glad you did. Support of family and friends is huge. My husband is my biggest supporter, as is my best friend. I wish you the very best with your book.
Boy, your first paragraph describes me to a T. Good to know there are others out there…
Always good to know we’re not alone. Thanks for stopping by today, Andrea.
What a fantastic post. Be true to yourself. Something I have been trying to remember over the past year with my new works and current works in progress. I really enjoyed this. Thank you!
Thanks, Erin! Good luck with your works in progress. Glad you enjoyed the post.
It’s so important to have a spouse, family member or special friend who can provide that necessary support and encouragement. Good luck, Emma!
Having that support makes all the difference, doesn’t it, Joanne?
Thanks for commenting.
Emma, So much wisdom in this post! Like you, I dread public speaking and moments in the spotlight. That’s OK–I’ve discovered my strengths lie elsewhere. And, like you, I’m happy with that. Best of luck with the book!
Glad you recognize your strengths, Laura. It seems like that should be simple, but it’s so hard! Thanks for coming by.
Many times people really don’t know who they are, and that is part of the problem. 🙂
So true, Susabelle! It seems like we often waste so much time trying to be what we think we should be, rather than what we are.
Glad to see you here, thanks for commenting.
Thanks for having me here today, Casi!