I used to love working with cameras, when gifted experts in film and fashion were running the show. Since transitioning out of those industries, I seldom have the chance.
For years, I’ve considered making my own impromptu videos. Each time the thought struck, though, I talked myself out of it with all sorts of excuses. I don’t have the right equipment…or skills…or fill-in-the-blank.
The closest I came was almost recording a vlog to demonstrate stepping out of my comfort zone, in honor of the Beauty of a Woman BlogFest last year. Somehow, everything else took priority. Why record a video, when I could be writing? Or doing laundry? Or my taxes?
Then something groovy happened.
I recently signed up for Marie Forleo’s B-School, which officially starts today. (I’m soooo stoked!) Since registering, I’ve been mingling with fellow classmates in a private Facebook group, where we were challenged to post a video selfie. It was just the nudge I needed to get my feet wet.
Sometimes a little nudge is all we need.
I quickly filmed myself gabbing and posted it in the group, where it was met with beautiful support (unsurprisingly; these folks are amazing). Immediately after, I thought, “Hey, I can do this!” Was it “perfect?” Heck no. But as we all know, there’s no such thing. Even if there were, vulnerability and realness would win big time.
So today, I’m challenging you all to step out of your comfort zones, in the name of #BOAW2016. Watch my short video—my first ever vlog!—to learn more.
As a reminder, the Beauty of a Woman BlogFest V will take place the first week in May, with registration taking place here in early April. In the meantime, let’s listen to those butterflies, yes?
While you’re welcome to use the comfort zone challenge as fodder for your fest entry, I hope you’ll consider getting started pronto. If you do, use the hashtag #BOAWComfortZone if/when you share it online. I can’t wait to see what y’all come up with!
Love and light,
August
Will you take up this challenge? What’s the last scary, strengthening step you took? I love hearing from you!
I need to VLOG too! You are inspiring me to start!
You’d rock vlogging, love! Can’t wait to see your magic.
I’m in, August, and this may be the “nudge” I need. Mine is to launch a daily blog for a year based on the idea of meeting the energy of each day. No matter who we are or whether we face daily challenges–mine is chronic illness–the energy of each day is different. When we meet that energy, we work with the reality we have. Watching your Vlog made me realize I really can launch this blog. Once again, thank you, August.
Karen
Hi Karen! I LOVE your daily blog mission. Beautiful! I’m cheering you on 100%.
What a great video blog. It’s very impressive, nice and entertaining too. Well done!! I admire you!
OMG I was just fiddling on my camera trying to do my first blog video yesterday!! And of course I deleted it and came up with a zillion ideas why not to do it. Thanks August for the nudge! Our energies combined we can do anything! Much love!
Yay, what groovy serendipity!! So glad the nudge helped. Cheering for you BIG time.
August, I applaud you girl. You’re amazing. I am pushed out of my comfort zone practically everyday. Life does have it’s challenges. But you inspire me. I have learned that you never know what around the corner. It’s taken all these years to go with the flow. So we’ll see what happens.
Thanks, Karen!! I so appreciate that, and LOVE that you’ve learned to stay open to whatever may come your way. Powerful stuff.
Great job!!!
Thanks, Mariah!
Yay for you for getting on camera! It can be hard for a lot of people because they have high expectations of it being a certain way because they compare themselves with people who have been doing it for a while. It’s kind of like baking bread and expecting it to look like it’s from a French bakery.
Also, so many of us have stories of past experiences that have gotten associated with fear. So these areas have to be addressed if you are going to feel comfortable when you press the broadcast button.
What I love about going on camera is that it DOES bring up our shit and because of that, there is the possibility for real transformation. When you carry a fear of being seen and heard, it’s like an app running in the background of a computer, it drains out some of your energy that you would otherwise be channeling into your purpose.
Ok. Off to make a video!