I have been wanting for a very long time to add audio (and eventually video) to this space. But every time I try to do it I get hung up attempting to sort through technology that I don’t understand and it gets buried at the bottom of my to-do list.
Recently I have started to realize that there has been something more than just technology stopping me from doing this, that there was some other block.
When I finally sat down to honestly look at what was holding me back, it was quite simply fear. Fear of sounding silly. Fear of looking funny. Fear of having my words used in a way other than what I intended when I shared them.
On Friday I read (and watched) this post by Heather Allard at The Mogul Mom and I knew it was time for me to stretch out of my comfort zone and start putting my voice out there.
So here goes. My tender first step. It’s not perfect. There are starts and stops and awkward pauses. And mispronounced words. And it feels really uncomfortable for me to listen to it (like hearing your voice on an answering machine). But, inspired by Heather, I am going to share it anyway…
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This audio clip is of me reading a piece I wrote in 2006 for RI Family Magazine. To hear it (I hope – fingers crossed!) click on the link below.
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{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
I share the same fear. There is one post on my blog that contains a short video of me, showing what homemade detergent looks like, after letting it sit overnight. My face was not in the video but I was so nervous! I believe I had to restart about 21 times and the final one still had a few mistakes. In the end I was fine with it. I got over the fear of the world hearing my voice. Now I need to get over the fear of people seeing my face on video.
Your audio turned out great. So, I hope you continue and overcome your fear. No matter how the audio or videos turns out, I will always be a full supporter of your blog.
With a smile,
Jackie
I loved reading this story when it was published in 2006 and hearing you read it now in 2009 was even better! I’m so happy for you that you overcame your fear. Just think of the possibilities that lie ahead!
I could have listened forever. You have so many talents. Please don’t ever be fearful of using them.
Erin!
I could have listened forever, too. Your voice is so comforting and beautiful. I commend you for reaching out of your comfort zone and blessing us with that story. I have a 3yo son who needs to be potty trained – so I think I will take your advice and clear my schedule and just DO IT.
No matter what “it” is, isn’t that what it always comes down to? Just DOING IT.
I hope you continue doing these audio posts…and maybe even a video. :)
Heather
Fabulous!
And thank you, Erin. This was lovely. Hearing your voice was a nice reminder that there are really people on the other side of the computer screen.
Do you have a link to the article? I can’t do audio or video with my dial-up. Thanks.
Lovely! Such a beautiful story, and I love how you tell it. Thank you for sharing your voice!!
hi! you are awesome for meeting your fear like that. aren’t we all right there with you, with our own versions of delaying something we really want to do because we are paralyzed in fear?!!! i like this story, and the message of it so so much. and i kept listening for a mispronounced word and never heard it.
oh hey, and your voice sounds great. i can’t imagine feeling shy about it. wait till you hear mine! mine’s a real challenge for me to not feel shy about how it sounds recorded. what is that crazy phenomena about, how weird our own voices sound when we hear them played back to us like that?
Erin! You have such a wonderful storytelling voice! Honestly…I was mesmerized and wishing you were reading me an audio story!
The story was heartwarming and hearing you tell it made it so much more relatable.
Thank you for such a wonderful Christmas gift!
Erin!!! Your voice is so calming and beautiful. Your story was lovely!
I agree with Hillary : ) I felt mesmerized and was wishing you were reading me a childrens story! Beautiful job, I am so proud of you! xo
Erin, you sound great! I really enjoyed listening. Your voice on the recording is very clear and calm.
I can relate to the fear. It’s taken me awhile to get used to making voice recordings for my astrology readings. Fear of sounding stupid, saying ummmm too many times, repeating myself, laughing the wrong way, etc. etc. And that fear of my words being put in permanent form… wow. That comes up with writing, too, of course. Scary. But I’ve been inching along and I can tell you, it does get easier!
Oh, and I love the content of the story you shared, too! December always seems to me like a natural time to slow down a little. How lovely that you got to do that!
Erin,
This is absolutely wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing it with us, and I loved hearing your voice for the first time.
A beautiful story, too. (And I know how you feel, I’m never a fan of my recorded voice, either!!!)
Jamie
You sound great Erin! And great timing for me, as Nina is getting ready for potty training!
It seems Lily’s request for you not the share her tough stuff has been a gift for you too. You are now successfully facing your own tough stuff; from confessions on how things really are to sharing your voice all of these challenges are making you stronger and one step closer to your goal. Thanks again for letting us share a little of the journey.
Erin, you sounded lovely.
I’ve been wanting to start a podcast, I mean *really* wanting to start a podcast, but the technology is so daunting that every time I pick up the information again, I put it back down because I can’t seem to make heads or tails of it. Gah!
Thank you for sharing this! Your voice sounds exactly how I’ve imagined — kind and comfortable and like I’d like to have a cup of tea with you. Love your blog!
This was so awesome to hear! I know what you mean about feeling uncomfortable listening to your own voice. I was so hesitant about sharing my news piece and I don’t ever watch it myself. But, at the age I am I am better at not worrying about what I look like, sound like, or what other’s think.
Thanks for sharing this…I hope to hear more audio from you in the near future!
Suzy
I liked this. I appreciated the reading and as others said, you sounded great.