Yesterday I shared my first video of myself across social media. It was meant to be a Live video as that seems to be what is trending, but I could not bring myself to “yet” make that leap. I, instead, sat alone in my room and recorded a minute long video of myself. It was simple, I asked people that Follow Autumn Brooke on Facebook to also Follow my Author Page at AutumnBrookeOnline. However, this simple one minute recording took me all day to work up the courage to film and then at least 30 minutes behind a locked door as I deleted every video I took. I knew that I was being ridiculous in my critiques and would never be satisfied. To be honest, I am not even sure that the posted video is because I finally gave up, or the boys were repeatedly knocking on the door with the ever so familiar “Mom, Mom….. are you okay? Why is the door locked? I’m hungry! Mom, my brother hit me!” It doesn’t matter what made me stop recording; the point was, I did it. Yes, it took me two days to then work up the nerve to post it, but I did that too and all of it was totally outside of my comfort zone and that is what matters. You have heard it said that “your life begins outside of your comfort zone” “the magic happens outside of your comfort zone” ect, ect….. The list goes on and on and that’s because it is probably true. Talking on a recording was a big deal for me. I have tried it many times before, even in a professional atmosphere, but it has yet to get easier, but I continue to try and will keep making that effort. Why? Not because the few viewings went viral or made me instantly famous, (which is not my goal) but I do want to be successful enough in my writing and the selling of the novel, and feature film adaptation that I need to put myself out there. I need to feel comfortable with being on camera or talking about myself. My favorite place to be is settled on my sofa, in a pair of yoga pants, tank top, and most likely a glass of wine nearby…. but that comfort zone is not going to find me the success that I desire. I am the only one that makes myself feel nervous, and I am the only one that can tell myself to get up off the couch and reach for the stars. It is all up to me to make my dreams a reality and achieve my goals. I know that my story is meant to be told, read, and shared, but that only happens if I make it happen. I was Active Duty Air Force for a few years in my early 20’s and it really made an impact in who I am today. One of the most important lessons I took away was how many people told me that I was not Military material or would be able to handle Basic Training, I learned to not only Rise to the Challenge but surpass all expectations, and excel in whatever I do. I’ve continued to live by that philosophy in all aspects of my life, but am only now realizing that I need to do the same within the boundaries that “I” put on myself. The future is limitless, and so is your destiny.
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