I was listening to NPR (National Public Radio) in the car today on the way home from my part time job, and the program was about introverts. I listened with a great deal of interest, because, well, I am not an introvert. Quite the opposite. Now I won’t purport to be a spokesperson for all extroverts – I can only speak to what makes me tick, but I really can’t imagine being a quiet, secluded type of person. Now don’t get me wrong, we all have our days. Sometimes I might be in a bad mood and I really don’t feel like talking to anybody, but that’s the minority of the time. Most of the time I just want to be social – to unleash my energy on the rest of the world! I do know that people see me as a very talkative person. I am. I don’t deny it. I talk a lot – and loudly most of the time. And I can sometimes be an “over-sharer.” I also can wear my emotions on my sleeve, despite the sense of vulnerability that goes along with that. But hey, that’s just little ol’ me and my own personality.
I try to think of it this way….. As a singer, I’m always up on stage performing – singing, acting, dancing – hiding behind nothing. Is it scary? Eh, maybe a little sometimes depending on the gig, but for the most part, it’s the most thrilling adrenaline rush you can ever experience. It’s pure joy and happiness! The energy exchange between a performer and a really good audience might as well be a drug, because I’m fully hooked and addicted. The more you share, the more you get back. (On stage and off.)
But for some people, the thought of getting up on stage in front of hundreds or thousands of people might as well be akin to some kind of barbaric torture. They don’t want to be up in that spot light. They don’t want all that focus pointed towards them – they’re not as used to leaving their comfort zone. I find that the very act of performing in the roles of so many varied characters, in all kinds of costumes, with all kinds of fellow eccentric theatre people, really contributes to a complete loss of being self-conscious. (Again, speaking for myself.) You have to lose your inhibitions when you are on stage, and it’s only natural that some of that bleeds over into your every day life. The more you leave your comfort zone on stage, the easier it is to leave it in every day life, and vice versa.
I think that’s why some people are the type to share all the musings of their daily lives on Facebook. (Yup – guilty as charged, and not sorry for it one bit. 🙂 ) For me, it gives me a sense of that social interaction I so long for even when I am by myself at home. And to some extent, depending on what my posts are about, it can even be similar to the attention you get when meeting your audience after a show – the sense of positive vibes and feedback. I mean, come on, when someone likes your picture or comments on a post, it feels good, doesn’t it? You’re interacting! You’re connecting!
And that’s part of the fun of having a blog, too. I mean, I know that lots of people on the outside are curious as to what it’s like to be a singer. Or they don’t get to travel and want to see what the world has out there to offer. Or maybe they just want some tips on going to Disney World. No matter the reason, I’m happy to put myself out there and share, share, share! In fact, my blogging self is a more self-restrained self, as I try to present this blog in the most professional manner possible, while still keeping it personable. But hang out with me in real life, and I’m quite the loud, rambunctious one! I just have so much energy that needs to get out! I can’t keep it to myself. 🙂 Hahaha!
Along the lines of sharing my feelings…. I am now getting SO close to my trips!!!! (Here’s me not being able to keep my excitement to myself – because I am just sooooooo super excited!!!!!!) Sometimes the feeling of excitement and anticipation are so great, that I feel like shouting for joy! I feel like running around while jumping through the air and dancing to non-existent music. (And those who know me personally, know that I would actually do that – I’m not speaking in metaphors here. 😉 Life’s too short to be self-conscious when it comes to being silly with joy. Embrace it and go with it!)
But in humble conclusion, I’ve found that the more energy you put out there, the more you get back. Positive energy begets more positive energy. We may all have our slumps and tough times, but if you seek to find the sunny side of any situation, the rainy skies will always blow quickly through, leaving a whole bunch of awesome-ness behind! 🙂 🙂 🙂
