I’ve been itchy to write this blog post.
“Why?” You wonder.
One of my guiding principles for writing is to write my heart out. If I feel vulnerable or uncomfortable, then I know I’m onto something.
However, as much as I pride myself for being authentic, I’m still hiding a part of me.
You see. As we operate in society, we are taught to show up in certain ways – professional, credible, smart, and in control. We carefully manage our presence – what we say and how we show up to others. We are wired with a set of predefined images of what it means to be well-received.
When I write, these questions usually come up:
- What do I write to provide values?
- How do I establish myself as a thought leader?
- What would an expert coach look or sound like?
- What topics might interest people and what might throw people off?
Oftentimes, I deliberately choose which part of me to be seen.
I don’t know about you but it can get tiring (or even boring) to me.
Then, I reminded myself. I want to write for ME first. I want to fully enjoy the process of writing. So, today, I’m ready for the big reveal – the part of me that I’ve been hiding is the silly part of me. 🤪
I hide it because it doesn’t meet the “professional coach” image I want to project. Yet, the desire to be fully seen and have fun at work has grown day by day as I continue to integrate myself with what I learn.
Most people think silliness has no place at work, the truth is being silly is the beginning of creativity and innovation.
- When I am silly, I do things for no purpose. I dance. I sing. I draw. I laugh uncontrollably. I storm toward my partner to hug her.
- When I am silly, I connect with people at a different level. I give myself and others permission to relax and be ourselves. We hang out like kids again.
- When I am silly, I’m free and unstoppable. I no longer put myself in a box only to think and act certain ways. My imagination goes wild. Everything is possible.
- When I am silly, I see things as they’re supposed to fail without consequences or judgements. I can move forward after releasing my fear of failures and rejections.
The best part is, it. might. just. work.
Even if it doesn’t, being silly is so fun and energizing! At least, I’ll have a good laugh. I’ll expand myself in an uncontrollable way and intensify my experience!
So, why not bring a little bit more silliness into our life?
What superpower can you unleash when you’re silly?
Love,
Wen
Being silly – Wen’s first space drawing in public!
P.S.
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