Chapter 1: Confronting My Fears

Reflecting on my initial hesitations about sharing my life online, I realize how fear paralyzed me for such a long time. Recently, I embarked on a new career opportunity—one that I wouldn’t have even considered if I hadn’t begun sharing my experiences publicly. This new role has limited my time to write, yet it has also provided me the chance to contemplate my path thus far. I’m grateful for the courage I mustered to publish my very first story.

The adage that "starting is the hardest part" rings true. Although I still feel nervous each time I post, particularly with sensitive content, I've learned to embrace that fear. I recognize that my anxieties are often exaggerated; if others choose to judge me, that’s beyond my control.

My journey kicked off in February, and it has been a series of positive developments since then. I have a spiritual side; I believe in various metaphysical concepts like mediums and guardian angels. For a long time, I hesitated to share my story, hampered by fear and self-doubt. However, everything shifted when I discovered a YouTube channel called ‘Minnow Pond Tarot’. His humor and candidness resonated with me, and his tarot readings often encouraged sharing my experiences online.

Every reading seemed to touch on the importance of expressing oneself, reinforcing my belief that I was on the right path.

Chapter 2: The Leap of Faith

I vividly remember the moment I clicked "publish" on my inaugural Medium article and my first Instagram post. I was overwhelmed with anxiety! I reviewed my article multiple times, tweaking it incessantly. Once I hit publish, I stashed my phone away and avoided it for the rest of the evening, my mind racing with doubts.

Thoughts like, “What am I doing?” and “People will think I’m crazy for being so open about my past” flooded my mind. It’s amusing how we often create these narratives in our heads.

Surprisingly, none of my fears materialized. Instead, I was met with kindness and support from my community. As I continued to push through the discomfort of sharing my thoughts, my confidence flourished. Friends reached out with encouragement, and my family expressed pride in my bravery. Their support made all the difference.

Chapter 3: Celebrating Achievements

Since that initial post, my online presence has expanded significantly. I’ve earned over $300 monthly on Medium, honed my writing skills, been invited to contribute to various businesses, and secured a new job. Most importantly, I’ve connected with incredible individuals worldwide.

One of my aspirations is to create a supportive environment for those affected by trauma, fostering connections and promoting healing. I firmly believe that collective healing enhances the well-being of families, communities, and future generations.

Navigating this journey while maintaining a full-time job has been a challenge. Yet, I’ve learned the importance of flexibility and prioritization. I’ve come to realize that I can’t juggle too many tasks at once without risking burnout.

I initially tried to post across multiple platforms, which quickly became overwhelming. Accepting my limitations was difficult but ultimately liberating. Consequently, I decided to step back from TikTok and Twitter, choosing to focus on creating meaningful content rather than pursuing fame.

Chapter 4: New Connections and Opportunities

Engaging on LinkedIn was daunting due to its professional nature. Sharing my struggles with addiction felt risky, but I soon realized my misconceptions about the platform. Since my first post, I’ve forged valuable connections across Australia, leading to inspiring conversations and new opportunities.

This networking culminated in my latest job at a global company committed to well-being and trauma-informed practices. I’m thankful for my decision to share my story and reach out to others.

If you find yourself hesitant to share your journey online or connect with like-minded individuals, my advice is simple: take the leap! Embrace the uncertainties of life; the growth and lessons learned are worth it. My only regret is not starting this transformative journey sooner.

Corey ??