Yes, I’m speaking to YOU…
Meet the Anne Lamott I first met over 25 years ago:
“Look, I struggle with this. I hate to be criticized. I am just the tiniest bit more sensitive than the average bear. And yet, I’m a writer, so I periodically put my work out there, and sometimes like all writers, I get terrible reviews, so personal in nature that they leave me panting. Even with a Facebook post … do you have any idea what it’s like to get 500-plus negative attacks, on my character, from truly bizarre strangers.
Really, it’s not ideal.
Yet, I get to tell my truth. I get to seek meaning and realization. I get to live fully, wildly, imperfectly. That’s why I’m alive. And all I actually have to offer as a writer, is my version of life. Every single thing that has happened to me is mine. As I’ve said a hundred times, if people wanted me to write more warmly about them, they should have behaved better.“
That’s from her book, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life. You really must read it. Lots of insight and surprisingly funny. That’s Anne Lamott.
But this book in particular is useful for radio air talent, because I’ve never yet met one who enjoys being critiqued, who isn’t “the tiniest bit more sensitive” than others.
The only thing that makes you unique is the stuff that most PDs don’t want you to share.
And every memorable air talent I’ve known in my career had the courage to share that personal stuff, their unique reactions to all the things that life throws at them.
Every single thing that has happened to you is yours!
Please! Share it.
You will get criticism. You will hear hateful things. You will feel wounded.
But you will finally be using the stage your instincts took you towards all those years ago when you started in this business.
You’ll be living your purpose, because you see, you don’t have to impact everyone.
You have to impact one person who listens to you today.
If what you’re saying about what you’re going through helps just one person today to feel understood, to feel better equipped to face their challenges, to feel less alone, you have succeeded in using your gift, the perspective you alone have about it.
Come on. Take one step today. Take one more step tomorrow.
Step off the ledge into the unknown and soar.
It’s why you’re alive.