Telling myself ‘I feel so exposed’ making it worse

Hi,
I’ve written various submissions recently about feeling exposed with work / social media stuff I’m doing recently. This is valid, I know that, as I’m putting myself out there a lot.
But, at the same time, I’m wondering if I’m making it feel worse by telling myself over and over that I feel exposed.
Other people use social media – specifically – and don’t seem to feel this way. It made me think: could there be ways to enjoy it more? Feel less exposed / have emotional boundaries in place – eg the amount of time I spent on it and posting, as well as what to think about what I am sharing. Eg being very intentional that this isn’t actually me: separating it someone – this is my work etc.
Any tips on doing this much appreciated.
Many thanks

 

Answer:

 

This is so interesting. It reminds me of a saying: the grass is greener where you water it. If you’re devoting a lot of mental energy into feeling exposed, it’s likely that it will grow because you’re validating that. It might be interesting to explore what kind of model that result shows up in.

It sounds like you’re looking to some bridge and ladder thoughts here. Imagine you build the bridge or the ladder up a little more What thoughts would help you out here?

If other people use social media without feeling exposed, and you are a person, might it be possible for you to use social media and not feel exposed? Is there a possibility that you could someday even be comfortable with exposure? What would that look like? Keep trekking on this curious path – you will find the way that works for you!