Good

"I'm uncomfortable in front of a camera."

"Good," she said. "It's weird when people like it a little too much."

I’d jumped at the chance to have my work in a magazine. But now, sitting on stone steps I built next to a stone wall I built with a camera pointed at my face, I was having second thoughts. A classic introvert’s dilemma: Look at me; stop looking at me.

Something clicked when she said “good.” There’s nothing wrong with feeling uncomfortable. It’s not a character flaw to be overcome. For some, it’s part of the process of putting our work out into the world.

I didn’t agree to be in the magazine to show off old work. Other than making my mom proud, the real reason is to connect with new clients and new work. To keep growing. And if that growth is a little uncomfortable?

Good.