Hello babes! If you follow me on Instagram then you saw that last week I attended a WhoWhatWear event celebrated their INF Network and listening to a great panel discussion of some industry boss babes. I got the invite and had to take a day of work to travel to the New York to attend.
The event was great and I met some awesome influencers and other industry women. However I realized that I don't have such an extroverted personality like I thought.
Right before I find the event space I started to feel anxious butterflies ( at the time I mistaken it for car sickness). When I entered the event space I felt a little uncomfortable and awkward. Within the first 5 minutes I saw a blogger that I knew Maria from CityLaundry! It was great seeing her and we tried to catch up while speaking softly as the panel discussion was going on. She had to leave early and from the moment she said adios I got nervous. This was my first time attending an event where I knew no one. It toke me back to college freshman orientation. I didn't know how to engage in a conversation or randomly go up to someone and introduce myself. I felt intimidated. My mind was quickly creating assumptions in my head and insecurity began to peak its ugly head.
While waiting in line to get my free jeans courtesy of WhoWhatWear for attending the event I did meet a young lady and we engaged in some great conversations. It broke the ice for me and I felt myself loosening up and not feeling so uptight.
Leaving the event I was shocked at the way I clammed up. I graduated with a bachelors in Communications and Public speaking in classes in college came naturally for me. But for some reason trying to make conversation with strangers in that setting intimidated me. For years now I built a life of routine and security around me. I like to call it my "safe place". I didn't realize that I lost confidence in myself. I am so glad that I went to the event because not only did I gain industry insight and resource tools but I also learned about myself. Confidence is the result of achieving our personal and professional goals in life. I have learned now that in order to gain confidence I have to continue to put myself out there and progress will be made.
I have a desire now to put myself out there and regain my confidence. We all have our insecurities and I don't want you guys to think that photos tell a whole story. It is just a sliver and my blog allows me to dig deeper with you guys and be more real and open. If you guys have any feedback or have had a similar experience please leave me a comment. I would love to hear that I am not the only one! ha!
Top: Chicwish (click here) / Bag: Gucci (click here) /
I am very similar, it is so hard for me to break the ice and engage with others in events. I've been told by managers that I need to "get out of my conform zone" as I'm great at my job but still hesitate on talking to others unless necessary and is also the same in my life outside of work. I've always tried to get better at it but I still haven't mastered it yet.
ReplyDeleteLove your style and this whole outfit!
Thank you hun for sharing your experience! I think its the fear and assumptions we create that manifest into negative thoughts like Is that person going to think Im weird or I don't know what to say so I am not going to talk to anyone. It isolates us and prevents us from maybe engaging in a great conversation or meeting a new friend. Its work in progress and we can do it together! Thanks again hun and hope you have a fabulous day!
DeleteHey there Alana, I had to read this after seeing your post notification from Bloglovin. I love your honesty. I think that you are definitely on your way to realizing your inner confidence. I am not one to attend events as big crowds just make me tired but I find that these days I am easing into just being in the moment, soaking it all in that it boils down to just letting go of my own expectations. People do surprise you and all it takes is just saying a genuine hello and a smile. Reading your post makes me want to take a chance for myself. Thanks girlie :D x
ReplyDeleteHey hun! I am so thankful that you read my post and I love that you shared your own personal insight. Confidence is the result of achieving our personal and professional goals. The more I put myself out there the more confident I will feel! Hope this helps you as well hun! We got this! Have a beautiful weekend! xoxo
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