Hello Everyone,
It’s been a while since I’ve spoken to you. So lately, some things have transpired regarding being an introvert, social anxiety, and being an artist. There is a singer named Summer Walker, who has hit the music scene with a new album, as well as a tour. Well, the thing about Summer Walker is that she has social anxiety, and she can feel other people’s energy, and she does not want anyone’s energy passed to her. She was on tour, and she had to do a meet & greet (more than likely, the label made her do the meet & greet). Anyway, a fan was upset because she didn’t hug her, didn’t talk to anyone, etc. After the backlash, Summer responded by saying to the fan that she has to protect her energy, and she also let everyone know that whatever you’re feeling, that energy can transfer to her, and she doesn’t want it to mess with her energy. (https://www.hot97.com/news/hot-97-now/summer-walker-addresses-fan-complained-about-her-meet-greet)
When this was first discussed online, people agreed that Summer was wrong for her actions. People were also on Walker’s side about her anxiety. There were many discussions regarding this topic, and it made me think about myself. If you’ve been on my site, you will see that I’m very creative. What many people don’t know is that I’m an introvert. This is very common with creative people. Some of us are sociable, but trust and believe that we are very eager to get in our space and stay there. I have plenty of friends, and I’m active on social media, but in reality, my apartment is my comfort zone.
I sympathize with Summer because I know what it is like to be creative and not wanting to be around people. I remember having a conversation with an older student. She’s more business-oriented, and loves the hustle part of her job. She shared with me that I need to hustle to get my designs out there so I can be a successful designer. I was with her……until she said hustle. I don’t know if you know this, but a lot of creative people do not like the hustle part of their careers. I shared that with her, and she was shocked. She informed me that she went back to school to learn the creative side so she can really put her fashion hustle to use. Although every creative person is different, we all have the same similarities when it comes to being an introvert. I really don’t like networking much because of how much of an introvert I am.
I’m making more of a presence with my work, but I know I also have to put myself out there more. The last part is hard for me. There is a saying that in order to get out of your comfort zone, you have to get really uncomfortable. In my case, the uncomfortable part is actually “hustling” and conversing with people.
Hopefully, things will be better for year 2020. Happy New Year!