The Social Caterpillar - Latest Comments

Re: One Tiny Thing Thursday #29 Listable

Kathryn Hunter — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 17:30:42 -0000

Lisa, I am back. Moving slowly, getting my bearings again. I'm so happy to hear that you're ready to start creating again.

Re: One Tiny Thing Thursday #29 Listable

Lisa MB — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 17:07:34 -0000

OMG! You're BACK!!! :) I'm taking on you're one tiny thing - releasing the safety valve so that I can return to my blog AND pick up the paintbrush. The stories and images are ready for the light of day.

Thanks, K! <3

Re: Living Within Fear

Kathryn Hunter — Fri, 18 May 2012 20:07:56 -0000

Thank you, my dear!

Re: Living Within Fear

TatumRebelle — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:44:30 -0000

Awesome!

Re: Living Within Fear

Kathryn Hunter — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 13:47:46 -0000

The imagery of shifting your center is great! And I love the idea of an amorphous edge to our comfort zones, because not only are they different depending on what we're doing, they're different depending on what we did previous to that moment.

Re: Living Within Fear

R.M. Koske — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:47:10 -0000

I LOVE your analogy of fear as a house. All the elements really make sense - it protects you but can be too limiting if you stay in all the time, it's okay to travel out and come back...wonderful. I need to add this to my "ideas to ponder" and see where it leads me.

I have for a while thought of what you're calling door-finding as "getting out of the center." I
picture my comfort zone as a circle, and I'm in the middle. The closer I
get to the edge, the more uncomfortable I am, but it isn't a
requirement that I run full-tilt at the edge. All I need to do is get
out of the center. My new position becomes the center of a slightly larger zone.

It is inaccurate to think of it that way, of course, because my zone is
unevenly shaped and the gradations of comfort are unpredictable. But it
encourages me to go to the point of nervousness instead of thinking of
it as all or nothing.

Re: My Metaphorical Ponies

Kathryn Hunter — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 22:53:57 -0000

I agree, movement is such a great reset. And focusing on savoring time... beautiful!

Re: My Metaphorical Ponies

Pam Belding — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 18:42:41 -0000

I loved your post! It's great to watch how you worked thru your 'shoulds' "So I figured out what was most important and that was continuing along the path I had set for myself". It's nice to see someone let go of beating herself up in place of moving forward.
One of the things I like to do to get myself back on track is take a walk around the lake with my dog Tootsie, swinging my arms and grooving to the music on my iPod. When I get back home I feel refreshed and ready to face my day. Most importantly, I try to remember to Savor my time, because like a piece of candy, life's specialness is it's impermanence. http://burlapnbeads.com/201...

Re: Taking Off the Invisibility Cloak

Kathryn Hunter — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:20:51 -0000

Thank you Stephanie! That thought was a long time in coming and I'm so happy to hear that it's resonating with others too.

Re: Taking Off the Invisibility Cloak

Kathryn Hunter — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 19:19:35 -0000

Definitely, sometimes blending in is helpful, especially when you're already stressed, but I want to stress, using it as a defense mechanism doesn't make it a power, so much as, it can take away from our power.

And there are sooo many more who comment only through email or don't say anything at all. I believe we have our own so very silent majority. ;)

Re: Taking Off the Invisibility Cloak

Stephanie — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 17:16:30 -0000

beautiful Kathryn, I love this part the best ;) Because, the thing is, I am worth noticing. I am worth paying attention to, and that’s what I want to radiate from the stage.

Re: Taking Off the Invisibility Cloak

Carrie Hensley — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 22:48:41 -0000

I love your quote... "Being invisible is not a super power." It is so true but at one point, I think, served us well. Glad you are stretching yourself beyond your limits. Can't wait to hear about all the amazing talks you'll be doing on stage:) Thanks for sharing your vulnerability. It's nice to know there are others who face similar feats:)

Re: Taking Off the Invisibility Cloak

Kathryn Hunter — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:10:20 -0000

Thank you Torre! *Hugs* on the dealing with attention while wanting to hide. I will say, you're keeping up appearances quite well, though I know what it feels like inside can be completely different.

If you haven't taken a look at what @Steve Rice said below, it sounds quite useful for your situation too.

Re: Taking Off the Invisibility Cloak

Kathryn Hunter — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 17:07:41 -0000

Thanks Steve! That's perfect advice, and I love that I can just focus on the one word "conduit" should my brain go a bit fuzzy.

Re: Taking Off the Invisibility Cloak

Torre DeRoche — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 05:13:59 -0000

Very nice, Kathryn. This is inspiring. I tend to feel uncomfortable with being noticed, and I shy away from the centre of attention at all costs. But recently, with my book selling, it has become impossible to hide! I have to face up to the attention, even though I still want to hide. (I wish I'd begun preparing sooner with the red halter dress.)

Re: Taking Off the Invisibility Cloak

Steve Rice — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 22:50:41 -0000

OMG! LOVE this post. I can so relate. Growing up in a religious household, I started serving as a sign language interpreter for our church services on a weekly basis. I remember that at first, I was terrified to stand up in front of 300-400 people and wave my arms around.

But one piece of advice helped me so much. A veteran interpreter told me, "You're not here for you, you're here for the audience. Your purpose is to make sure the meaning of the message gets across. You're simply the conduit"

This was simple advice, but it really helped me to get into my "zone" and forget what I might (or might not) look like to the hearing people in the audience. I wasn't there for them.

I do keenly remember that feeling of having hundreds of eyes on me, though. It's a unique experience. I think you're so smart to build your comfort level since speaking is something you really want to do. It will help you be even more effective going forward.

Re: Vulnerability Woman!

Kathryn Hunter — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:31:53 -0000

Thank you! "Vulnerability allows authenticity to shine through", love that.

Re: Vulnerability Woman!

Kathryn Hunter — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:30:26 -0000

Public speaking freaks me out too, which is part of why it's on my list for this year. I've taught classes too, and I always wonder at what point does a class become an audience. Is it that they're all sitting facing me when they're an audience and in a class I move among them, even if they're seated? Is it the number of students, and if so, where is the tipping point? I'd love to hear your perspective on this.

Re: Vulnerability Woman!

Emmanuelle — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 10:45:46 -0000

Congrats Kathryn, that's a huge step! Vulnerability allows authenticity to shine through, and for receiving more too... Well done!

Re: Vulnerability Woman!

Robyn Lindsey — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:27:03 -0000

I applaud you! Public speaking is a huge fear I have. That being said, I often make myself vulnerable by putting myself out there, to teach classes, approach people, etc. I could use a lot more of it tho...

Re: May You Get What You Deserve

Kathryn Hunter — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:48:58 -0000

Thank you, Pam. Yep, pursuit is the guarantee, though I'd love to see a greater stress on that in how we educate our little ones.

That's so exciting about your book! Congratulations! Love how your end goal acts as a filter for choices, great idea.

Re: May You Get What You Deserve

Pam Belding — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:23:14 -0000

Wonderful post, Kathryn!! I totally agree with you! We're more likely to get whatever it is we go after. I'm reminded of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and our inalienable rights to "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
As for me, I'm looking forward to publishing my book soon! Squeeee!! And I've just signed up to host the 99% spring training in my community. Along with the other local events I help facilitate and my job with the Welcome Wagon. Everything I do is based upon my desire to have a lasting positive influence. xoxo Pam

Re: May You Get What You Deserve

BirdyD - Roving Robin Reporter — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 01:02:16 -0000

Nope, unfortunately, you can't.

It seems to be a bit like other forms of down-hill-sliding: often you have to hit bottom before you're ready to move up. :>

Re: May You Get What You Deserve

Kathryn Hunter — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 22:51:26 -0000

I think on some level, they've never really seen anything else, at least in a way that they can apply to themselves. While I'd like to model the behavior, I can't make them see it, either. #sadsigh

Re: May You Get What You Deserve

BirdyD - Roving Robin Reporter — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 22:20:17 -0000

I know what you mean about so many people choosing to settle, to survive.

I don't get it either.

And you're right - it can be literally painful to be around. :>