Public vs. Private
Sometimes those closest to me think I live too public of a life. Between social media, public videos, opening my home office to others, and sharing my family stories, I’m an open book.
Many years ago, I was attending a training shortly after opening a Facebook account. I used to have a rule: don’t accept friend requests from males. That rule stuck until one day a social media trainer asked, “Annie, do you know that anyone who wants to find something out about someone else can find it with ease? Nothing online can be totally hidden.” He proceeded to encourage me to become an open book, eliminating the need to worry about living two lives and opening the door to align my personal and professional goals rather than attempting to live them separately.
Since combining the two sides of my life, a fellow speaker has given me the nickname “Authentically Annie” and as you all know, that nickname stuck. Often when I’m done speaking someone will ask me, “Are you really this positive, open, silly, etc. in real life?” My answer is always “YES,” because I feel I’m the same person in public that I am in private. However, my family might tell you different after seeing me at home where I go to bed early, have a little less energy, and sometimes lack my usual humor. To that I say, “We all deserve time and space to relax, recover and recharge” which is just as authentic as the other parts of my life.
I’m not saying everyone should share or disclose every aspect of their life but want others to know they shouldn’t be afraid of someone finding out more about them. With today’s technology being what it is, a little investment and light research allows anyone to find out plenty about another person. Today I encourage you to open yourself to the possibility of others and sharing your authentic self!
What does living your exceptional life look like to you?
Are you the same person in public that you are in private?
What are you trying to hide? What secrets are you keeping off of social media?
What are your rules about who you’ll connect with and how much you’ll share?
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