I've spent a good deal of my life struggling with feeling invisible. In different ways. As someone in my earlier days who had more ideas than ways to articulate them. As an ethnic minority unsure of how to represent myself in my community. As someone insecure about how others would receive what I had to say. As a woman hyper-concerned about meeting the needs of others.
In many ways I caused my own invisibility. I didn't participate or ever put my two cents in. I didn't believe others wanted to hear from me, so I gave them the option of not paying attention to me. I withdrew from any areas that required some fight from me.
This struggle was part of my growing up, definitely. I wondered whether I was the only person who went through this experience of feeling unknown. As an adult now, I know that I was not.
After many years of working through this very issue, through self-examination and with the help of trusted mentors and friends, I've realized how important it is to kick it. By that I mean use what you know. Bring what you've got. Let people know you because that's a sure-fire way to get to know yourself.
Procrastination is just one clever way to let other people know you think you are invisible. You're hiding under a cloak of secrecy, fearing being seen and heard. One method of breaking free of Procrastination is by stating what you know. Take that first step into writing your essay or speech, clearing your closet, or fixing your relationship. Don't worry about who will see you. Another method that is just as good is stating what you don't know. Articulate your boundaries. Ask for help. Ask for help using dumb questions. Connect with others through your gaze, words, actions, and intent. Soon you'll be used to feeling seen and liking it.
