Can We End Radio Silence...Together?

I’ve been working for myself for nearly six years. It’s rewarding in many ways...but quite desolate in others.

You see, I’m an extroverted introvert. I’m really good at turning it on. I can charm most any room. I am pretty masterful at connecting to other people.

But it drains me. And when left to my own devices, I have a tendency to isolate. For hours, even days. Happily. I lose myself. Immersed in my own company. Truth be told, while I love my friends, there’s no place I’d rather be than with myself. To be perfectly blunt, I’m pretty cool. If I do say so myself...

For an artist, this is a risky confession. Perhaps it’d be risky for anyone. Because the simple truth is that we need each other...people, I mean. We rely on each other for most everything. We validate each other. We support each other. We enable each other to move through this chaotic world. And let’s face it, we also set each other straight.

So while I can create alone here in my bubble, I cannot spontaneously succeed in here. I require contemporaries, fans, patrons, and teachers. I need feedback. Level setting. Reality checks. Often a swift kick in the ass. We all do.

So why am I rambling on about this?

I’m not entirely sure. I believe I’m attempting to put some nebulous request out there into the ether. I’m laying myself on the line. Raw. Vulnerable. And oh-my-god...needy.

I need you. All of you. And you need me.

I recently watched a fascinating old TEDx Talk given by a woman who gave shape to this in such a basic yet profound way. Watch it if you can. If not, here’s the synopsis: Barbara Sher proclaims that isolation is the one and only thing that stands between each of us and our dreams. If we can get over ourselves and connect - and declare our dreams and ask for what we need - people will rush in like water to fill our gaps. When asked, they don’t just want to see us succeed, they need to be a part of it.

So here I am declaring: I want to be a successful Steemian. I want every post I lovingly and carefully craft to be rewarded and appreciated by the community based on its merit.

And here I am asking: I need followers and upvotes and support. I need community. And I need to follow and support you, too.

According to Barbara, this is where the magic begins, people step up, and dreams start to come true.

Now here I am open and offering: How can I support you?