If you’re scared to be seen
Leading with love, but still feeling a little lost in moments
still a little chasing a feeling
Thankfully I know those are fleeting
More listening the universe, and putting trust there
suddenly a little stress ball change that ends up creating beautiful change
More putting myself out there
And a little less running away
When we watch a movie, we watch characters (HUMANS) being vulnerable. In an acting class that I can’t reccomend enough (big shoutout to the ACTORS GYM in NYC) we discussed vulnerability and came to the definition that vulnerability is a character allowing themselves to be seen while trying their best to get what they want. I sat with this a lot. As a performer you have to want to be seen, it’s all part of it but usually we want to be seen doing our absolute best even when learning something new. Through my own experience and talking to others on the topic of being “seen” this can put a perfectionist pressure that doesn’t allow you to show up as you are with the full flexibility and capacity to get all you can from the moment. Yes on stage on film etc we want to be seen in our most rehearsed, way. We have to do the back work to be seen confidently in that way. But what about in process. In order to do your best you cannot rob yourself of the process! Part of the performing industry and really anything in life you have to TRUST the back work that you’ve done (you may realize you have to go home and do more back- work after certain experiences because you can’t hide technique or for example maybe you’re someone who needs to spend more time memorizing) and allow yourself to be seen trying your best, which means you must face your fears fully. This means you have to be honest with yourself and how you are holding yourself back, listen to yourself, find spaces to grow, meditate and clear your mind, and know your why.
Why is it important to know your why? That’s a big part of the definition. Trying your best to get what you want! When I was working on a cruise ship and was really stressed and couldn’t figure out why my friend said, “Haley I think that what you want has changed and your actions are not working for this growing version of you and following that new want.” Essentially follow your why, it shifts and changes with the changing needs. When you know your why you have a clearer path, and motivation, It keeps you away from seeking external validation which can put you in survival mode or the easy way out. external validation often has us avoiding confronting that loud ego of ours. When going out of the box and being vulnerable, survival mode is a scary place to be.
My mom has told me my whole life,
“do the right things for the right reasons”
and through my experience in pursuing a very unpredictable career I have boiled this down to
Lead with love. You can palpably feel the difference. When you get yourself in this headspace the fear of being seen washes away.
Don’t be afraid to check in if you feel that fear of being seen, you may not be following your want. Or you may be getting in your own way and could be doing things that are getting in the way of you trying your true best.
Please be you. The world needs it. Please try new things. Try not to undermine yourself, Please allow your light to be seen, even in process.
love and light,
Haley