Growing up, I did not have confidence in myself. I was always afraid of being 'Lee'. I thought I was weird, I thought my ideas were dumb, I thought people would make fun of me, so from that, I began wearing a mask and like Shakespeare said "merely being an actor on stage".
The problem with that though, outside of the obvious, is that I truly started forgetting and not knowing who I actually was. It was the most weird feeling I have every experienced. I forgot what my genuine interests were, I forgot what I was passionate about, I forgot what made me, me.
So after feeling that pain for many years to come, I finally said forget it, I am going to be myself. But, another learning lesson occurred. I was trying WAY TOO HARD. I almost felt like I had to make up for lost time and I also felt, for people to 'like me', they needed to know everything.
Again, on top of the obvious mistakes, I ended up trying to appeal to the wrong ones, and still was caring what others thought, way too often. Even if my effort was genuine.
Fast forward to present day. I am more aligned, confident, and at peace than I ever have been in life.
Why?
Because I took some time to figure out who Lee was first.
I valued who I was at my core. The good, the bad, and the ugly. I also learned that not everyone deserves to know everything about you.
I still remain just as open, probably more open now than ever, but the who/what/when/where is always thought out in my mind.
This is usually based off of sheer connection with someone or lack there of. I am able to assess and know how much 'effort' is needed for that conversation or relationship.
From there, I stopped caring what people thought entirely, because I knew if I did good, and followed my intuition and just did what was right, then the right ones would align with that.
The ones that had something negative to say, well, I guess didn't understand to begin with.
For the ones that did understand, or ended up aligning as people in my life, then thats when I began to care. But the level of care is not about being afraid of showing who you are, but caring about that persons general feedback, guidance and opinion because the 'who you are piece', is already appreciated. That person is simply adding to you life. And it's always and should be, two sided.
We can learn from everyone. Regardless of age, race, sex, or whatever label you can think of. Every perspective has something unique to offer. And we all have a unique gift to share.
And that my friends, is what this podcast is all about.
Allowing a platform for people to openly and authentically share, who it is they actually are and what it is they are set out to do.
And soon realizing, who's been waiting inside, all along.
Welcome to "Who's Behind The Mask?"