Dear Patron Saints of Patreon: I’m not dead! (And now in all seriousness...) (Patreon)
Content
Because this is meant to be a sexy place, I try my best to be fun and light-hearted with what I post, and in my interactions with all of you. That is what I would call my “best self”. It is absolutely authentically me. I am naturally a positive, bubbly type of person.
But that is the extrovert in me, and I am as equally extroverted as I am introverted.
The introverted side of me is not something I share easily, because it doesn’t always make sense. It’s a dark, sad, shameful cloak of regret and melancholy and paralyzing fear - and one thing I know for sure, is that is **not** sexy.
So when I’m feeling this way, (and I feel this way a lot), I hide myself away. I disappear from here, and from the people who care about me and who matter most.
I tell myself that I do this to spare everyone from having to deal with my mess - I don’t want to burden anyone else with my personal issues and demons.
But I’ve come to realize I do it because I’m afraid, and I’m ashamed.
Afraid of being judged.
Afraid of not being liked anymore.
Ashamed that I’ve let people down.
Ashamed that I don’t know why I’m like this or how to fix it or if it ever can be fixed.
If I ever can be fixed. I’m broken inside.
Those of you who have been a part of my Patreon for the past 1.5 years already know about this side of me, because it has hindered my ability to create and post consistently, and when people are supporting me with their hard earned dollars and nothing comes of it, I feel they deserve an explanation. Even if it is extremely hard to share. But even here, I’ve faltered and hesitated.
The only way I’m going to be able to create and post content consistently, which is what I want to do, is if I let go of that critical voice inside that acts as gatekeeper and insists I only put my best self forward. The standards that critic has in place are my own. I’m in a prison of my own making. And I want out.
I don’t know where to go from here.
I just know this is where I am right now, and I don’t want to be here anymore. I need help, but shame is holding me back from asking for it. I thought it was pride. But it’s shame.
Here is the video I watched that brought all of this to the surface for me. I highly recommend it to anyone who struggles, as I do, with self-worth:
Thank you for reading this. I am grateful to have a safe space I can allow myself to be vulnerable in (even if it is terrifying. Oh my god it is so hard to press “publish now” on this post you have no idea).
I am grateful for you.