What I've Learned From Putting Myself Out There

Good evening, Little Leaves!

I know today's post is late, I am so sorry about that!

Some stuff has been happening in my life, I wasn't sure if I should write about it, but I'm going to anyways.

Those that are close to me, and in my circle can just reach out to me if they really want more information.

When I decided to become an author and Blogger, and started putting pieces of my life out there, along with pictures of myself, I knew the one thing it would eventually come with: weirdos.

Yeah... Someone has been trying to scare me.

It's the internet. The more you put yourself out there, the higher chance you'll come across people who don't understand BOUNDARIES. I knew that opening up, putting my thoughts, my photos, and my life out there, would also open me up to people I've never met or even seen before.

What I didn't know, is how terrifying it would feel when it actually starts happening.

There's a difference between being a fan of someone's writing, supporting their work, enjoying the things they share, and becoming apart of the COMMUNITY, and becoming too involved in their personal life.

I think there's also a difference in being curious about someone, and feeling entitled to their attention. Behind the screen, I'm still a real person!

The things I've been sharing about my life, I share because it's one of the ways I cope and process things. This blog is the one place I come to be vulnerable, and hopefully make others feel less alone.

Vulnerability is not the same thing as permission. It does not mean I don't deserve privacy still. Posting pictures does not mean you now know me personally. Being kind does not give you unlimited access to me.

And setting these boundaries does not make me rude. It's sad that I even have to be writing about this.

Unfortunately, there is always a bad side to putting yourself out there. It sucks, yes. However, I'm not going to stop writing. If that's what this person is trying to make me do, YOU ARE MAKING A HUGE MISTAKE. 

Yeah, I may be afraid to leave the house by myself right now, but fear isn't going to make me stop writing.

I'm not leaving my Little Leaves, so don't worry. I'm still here.

And I have people that will go to great LENGTHS to protect me. 

This is a warning for all my female leaves: BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS.

Set boundaries.

And don't let just anyone think they can own you.

I'm still here. I'm still writing. I'm still working towards everything I want for myself.

One person is not going to make me stop.

Until next time, Little Leaves.

- Autumn