Cannot agree with this more. I’ve spent the last 15 months or so building a neurodiversity inclusion network at work that often involved me disclosing parts of myself in retrospect I didn’t need to share, but felt obligated to because people need to understand. There are things you need to keep for yourself and you need to tread that line carefully when sharing details of your own life story with others.
The end result has been my mental health has taken a nosedive and I’m slowly working on building it back up. But it’s amazing how powerful it is and so healthy to draw boundaries and say ‘No, this is for me only’. It does wonders drawing that line to protect yourself. It’s like building a muscle, you have to keep doing it but it’s worth it.
Good for you for making that call and maintaining it. It’s a hard thing to do.👊 gym selfies any day over revealing posts that are costing you mentally.
Hi Holden, I was in the audience at that event in Albany (as I hope to be, every time you visit!) and I remember that question (and your answer). I'm sad and sorry that you felt so overexposed, and I can really empathise -- I hope you have forgiven yourself for what was not really at all your fault, rather a natural response to someone's question. I'm glad that the result was a revised and better approach for you, though, and I agree with all your mental health tips :) Take care xx
Hey Bec, nice to hear from you especially in this context of being in the audience that day. Thank you for such a kind comment. Yes, the thing is, if I’d been asked that question by you, or other writer mates, or any mates, over a beer in private, I wouldn’t have minded answering it so much. It was more that I was willing to sacrifice so much of my private world for audiences that really affected me. That gig was otherwise fantastic, and it was actually very helpful long-term as it’s when I started to learn to put boundaries in place! :)
Really great piece. Thanks for sharing. :)
Cannot agree with this more. I’ve spent the last 15 months or so building a neurodiversity inclusion network at work that often involved me disclosing parts of myself in retrospect I didn’t need to share, but felt obligated to because people need to understand. There are things you need to keep for yourself and you need to tread that line carefully when sharing details of your own life story with others.
The end result has been my mental health has taken a nosedive and I’m slowly working on building it back up. But it’s amazing how powerful it is and so healthy to draw boundaries and say ‘No, this is for me only’. It does wonders drawing that line to protect yourself. It’s like building a muscle, you have to keep doing it but it’s worth it.
Good for you for making that call and maintaining it. It’s a hard thing to do.👊 gym selfies any day over revealing posts that are costing you mentally.
Thank you mate, and yes don’t burn yourself out. Draw those boundaries and don’t feel guilty about self-care.
Hi Holden, I was in the audience at that event in Albany (as I hope to be, every time you visit!) and I remember that question (and your answer). I'm sad and sorry that you felt so overexposed, and I can really empathise -- I hope you have forgiven yourself for what was not really at all your fault, rather a natural response to someone's question. I'm glad that the result was a revised and better approach for you, though, and I agree with all your mental health tips :) Take care xx
Hey Bec, nice to hear from you especially in this context of being in the audience that day. Thank you for such a kind comment. Yes, the thing is, if I’d been asked that question by you, or other writer mates, or any mates, over a beer in private, I wouldn’t have minded answering it so much. It was more that I was willing to sacrifice so much of my private world for audiences that really affected me. That gig was otherwise fantastic, and it was actually very helpful long-term as it’s when I started to learn to put boundaries in place! :)
Love this post and love your honesty. Lots of great advice too!
Thanx heaps for reading it, Sara! Trying to be honest while also safeguarding the private life. :)
I loved every word, Holden. Bravo mate👏👏
So happy I subscribed for the year. I love your journey both professionally and privately.
Cheers
Billy