Balance – Tannika Nikeya

We are living in an over saturated and social media-driven world, and it has many of us working over time to stay relevant or push our products and services. I admit that coming up, we had a big celebrity culture where we were posting celebrities’ pictures on our walls and reading about them in magazines every chance we got, but now any one can be famous and for little to no effort and with no proper media training. I am glad that celebrity culture is starting to wean a bit today, and I hate that anyone can be famous or go viral. I am also glad that we are starting to demand more authenticity and standards with celebrities.

But we can’t deny that social media has everyone in our household’s attention from the toddler to the elder and from TikTok to YouTube. As I mentioned before, anyone can become famous, and all it takes is for someone to pull out their camera. Our phone’s cameras are constantly being turned on and sometimes for good things like capturing injustices and memories to be shared with friends and family as well as social media. Social media can also be good for connecting with people all across the world for purpose and building community. It can be great for learning new things and sharing awareness about problems in our world and accomplishments in the world from even everyday people like you and me. And, in ever-growing entrepreneurial cultures around the world, it can also be great for broadcasting your talents, gifts, businesses, and brands.

I love that I can share my poetry and encouragement as well as thoughts on a matter. And sometimes a lot of fun things like what I cooked or a concert I went to. Many of us want to make an impact on the world and just share a part of ourselves with the world. However, whew, the shy and introvert in me would not want to ever go viral. That over-exposure and responsibility scares me. In fact, some days, I feel like if I could pull a Sia as a writer or blogger, I would, lol. I like my privacy. I prefer to preserve parts of my life for me and those I love, and in a world that isn’t so safe, I am learning to navigate boundaries, even online.

Nevertheless, I understand we live in the era of social media and branding, and you can’t always hide behind your gifts and talents or fears of becoming successful and exposed for the good. So, how do we find balance in an open, over-saturated, social-media driven society?

Pray about your purpose, business, gifts and talents and how to use them.
Dont force anything. Kicking down doors, stepping over people, and operating in an inauthentic manner just to get likes and views or validation and money is a no-go. Be authentic, be patient, and do not sacrifice your integrity for any of these.
Ask yourself why you are pursuing these avenues. And learn what you want. Maybe you dont want to be famous or rich. But you do want to teach youth in your neighborhood money management. It is a great impact and in no way a small one. It is still major. Maybe you just want to become a teacher, and God has given you the idea to share what you learned as an educator. Great impact. Maybe you use Instagram to show off your crochet skills and just want to keep it a hobby. Great impact and still a great goal. I use my social media to draw, well try and draw 😆, people to my books and blog and with the purpose of encouraging others to take one day at a time and live simply, fruitfully, and purposefully.
Don’t wear yourself out to get rich. Or famous or get validation. Yes, it is natural to want validation, but grow in your confidence and self-love, and realize you are valuable whether someone says so or not. Yes, it is ok to desire to be wealthy or, I guess, even well known. However, what is the motive behind it? Can you be content if these things dont happen the way you desire? And the desires for money and the love of money can potentially consume you and warp your perception as well as cost you your relationships and joy?
Take time off of social media. Too much time on social media can lead to comparison, which robs you of joy and truth. Not everything on social media is really what it is behind the scenes. Take some time away from social media to engage in living and be present in life. We are trying so hard to impress people who aren’t really thinking about us like that. They are going to bed thinking about themselves.
Set boundaries. Have defined boundaries between you and social media. Set boundaries in your pursuit of your goals. Have standards and don’t share everything.
Speaking of, don’t share everything. One example is to try not to post family without permission to your brand pages and even personal ones. And I would suggest not to post them often or not at all. It is up to you and your family. Keep some things a mystery. Hold some things as sacred for you and your family. Also, keep your social media and sites focused on relative content that brings people back to your purpose, niche, and goals.
Don’t have the camera on 24-7, unless you are a Kardashian or DDG. Too much can be too much. And then sometimes you have to ask yourself, “Am I truly experiencing life if I am constantly recording and constantly putting on a show for the world?”
If you aren’t a believer of Christ Jesus, then I would assume you would not care about this part. But I will say it anyway because it is crucial. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Things like God’s wisdom to navigate and run your business and brand. This should be first.
Switch out social media sometimes for something else. Educate yourself about your brand and business or a goal you are pursuing. Learn something new. Read a book. Practice self-care. Journal. Go to lunch with your bestie and catch up.
Don’t confine yourself, your brand or business, or your personal life to social media. Get to work and live outside of social media. Branch out and connect with others. Enjoy life, your life. And where there needs improvement and adjustment, make it.

Tell me how you find balance in an overly saturated and social media-crazed society?

I came across an interesting video along my YouTube feed about four types of introverts. They were the Social Introvert, Restrained Introvert, Anxious Introvert and Thinking Introvert. The Thinking Introvert and perhaps Restrained Introvert sounds like me, however, I think I am mix of all four. Here is a link to the video: https://youtu.be/dNKQYjsxgPU .

I have come to understand (basically accept) that I am shy and introverted. And that is okay. I am uncomfortable speaking in front of others. I have foregone food until after a speaking engagement, avoided mics (I don’t want anyone to see my hand shake), and gotten physically sick prior to having to speak. I get through speaking in front of others by the grace of God, practice and much preparation (and building confidence). There are times I get nervous presenting a workshop to students that I have even worked with multiple times. I used to know how to dance, pick up a dance, or at least manage my two feet when I was younger and around my cousins or by myself. Now, I feel like sometimes I have two left feet, and I won’t dare dance around anyone unless I have a bolt of joy or am around family or in a crowd, or don’t mind feeling awkward.

I also tend to be in my head a lot. I love spending time thinking. On the flip side, I tend to also worry over if I said something right or did something enough. And I too need ample of amount of time to just be alone or just recoup from being overwhelmed or expending much energy. If I could Thanos snap people away when I felt like it or just press pause… 😆.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love people. I love encouraging others and showing up for others. And I do genuinely interact with people, am family-oriented, and have been described as bubbly. In fact, I loved to help plan get-togethers with my friends, family vacation trips, and family nights. But the next day or a day or two out of vacation, I just want to do nothing and relax. I still love planning such things but haven’t planned much as of now, except family nights and maybe an outing or two with my best friend. I also like staying home most times, but I do love nature and love getting out doors to enjoy such.

I don’t like talking on the phone much and prefer to text. I also love reading or just watching movies. I enjoy my own company much of the time.

As an introvert and a shy person, how does this affect me as a Christian? I don’t know as I am just asking myself this. I do know that God can still get the glory from a shy, introvert like me. And it makes sense how He has given me the gifts of encouragement and mercy. I thank God that although I need time alone and love my own company, I have care and concern for others. I am not treading through life selfishly. However, on the flip side, I am learning to set boundaries. It is not good to be all about just yourself, but you do have to pour into yourself, invest in yourself, take care of yourself, create moments and space for self. Then only can you adequately and without resentment pour into someone else’s cup. God did say to love others as you love yourself. Some of us need to learn to love ourselves.

God has helped me to encourage others through my writing. God has helped me to be able to create memories and moments for others. God has blessed and will bless me continually with purposeful relationships. Just because I am an introvert and am shy, doesn’t mean God can’t still use me. Sometimes, I have to press out of my comfort zone. Sometimes (well maybe most of the time), I have to rest after. But God can and will still use me.

We are to share God’s Word and love through speech and action. Whether you are shy and introverted or not, you can still impact others with the heart and Word of God.

You may be an introvert and Christian also. But know that although these things describe your personality and are some facets to who you are, it is God that truly defines who you are. Your identity lies within Him. And with that, just don’t let these characteristics or traits, whatever they are called, keep you shut off from the world. He sent us to go into the world to spread His Word and love, to finish up where Jesus left off. And yes, do remember to take time to replenish yourself and set boundaries as you challenge your fears as well as develop good relationships and support systems. Nothing wrong with taking care of your self and mind.