People staring,
Watching, and whispering.
Remember my very first session with a professional photographer, complete with big, floppy hat, and sunny side up? Or that virgin foray into a location shoot (read: venturing far outside my comfort zone backyard) and surviving the ordeal of changing in the backseat of a car? Well, that was in February, my friends, and how things have changed since.
Do not misunderstand. I remain immensely uncomfortable about striking a pose (or ten) in public. Those sidelong glances and not too subtle looks still get to me. And the tendency to flush blush will probably never ever completely disappear. But that’s quite alright.
I’ve gotten comfortable about feeling uncomfortable.
DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?
When we shot these, it was around 11am. In the heart of Town & Country. People were out and about. Cars were a-plenty and foot traffic was beyond heavy. There were passersby milling around us the entire time. Staring. Observing. I even spied one guy who was taking a picture (or snap) of us taking pictures. Seriously, dude.
A scant six months ago, I would probably have sped through the process, looking as uncomfortable as I felt, and ended up with awful photos of me appearing wooden and petrified and uneasy. This time, however, I smiled at whomever looked my way. I waved. I made eye contact.
I even said hello to the few who sauntered past.
I REPEAT, HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED
No one likes to feel uncomfortable in any situation because it feels, well, uncomfortable. Most of us will go to great lengths to avoid being placed in such a circumstance, it’s human nature, even as we realise that avoidance really isn’t the way to go about things. In fact, such a strategy kills evolution. Stumps growth.
Change never happens when you’re happily ensconced within your comfort zone. You know that. Change only happens when you venture outside of those safe, familiar walls. Afterall, undertaking something completely different is merely symbolic. What it really means is that you’re rocking the status quo. You’ve decided to not settle for mediocrity and blending in with the rest of the herd.
All of which can feel SCARY, upper cases fully justified. Scary brings with it trepidation, resistance and self doubt. And that feels sorely uncomfortable.
What I’m saying is I knew I had to get out there and frighten the pants off myself, metaphorically speaking. I knew I absolutely had to take the risk. Face the fear and wing it. I mean, what’s the worse thing that could happen? (1) have a panic attack and hyperventilate? (2) be laughed and jeered at by onlookers? (3) loose my pants, literally?
I knew that staying within my comfort zone wasn’t at all a safe move, but rather, a huge mistake because it’s not safe at all. Why? It’s not safe because I’d be risking a lifetime of merely existing instead of actually living. I’d be gambling with my life, and I only have one to live.
The bottom line is if I’m serious about growing and being a better version of me, I simply have to get comfortable about feeling uncomfortable.
I knew that if I was willing to that, the only limitation I’d have would be self-imposed. That I’d be able to apply this to other aspects of my life and transform, well, practically everything. Work. Relationships. Goals. I could (finally) have the kind (and quality) of life I really crave and deserve.
Isn’t that something worth feeling a little uncomfortable for?
Love, Sheela
Finally made the transition to AV and am now on YouTube as well as Snapchat (sheela.goh), would adore your support through subscribing to my channel/adding my snaps.
Pretty please?
p/s my photos by Sofia Touassa
I link up here.
Sheela Writes 
I so get this! I’m also always uncomfortable when we are taking photos in public. But I’m getting much more comfortable with being uncomfortable. More so than my husband who is my photographer. Especially when we were in Germany (and it seemed people stopped and stared even more than here!). A couple times he stopped taking photos because HE was uncomfortable being uncomfortable!
I love the black & white with the red accessories!
Andrea
Andrea’s Wellness Notes
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Stepping out of your comfort zone has certainly paid off, you seem totally at ease in these photos. I started blogging partly because I wanted to get more comfortable in front of the camera (I used to avoid having my picture taken at all cost), and after a couple of years I’m getting more relaxed about it. But I think I’m still a long way off from posing with people around…
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First—can you say Hot Mama???? Love, love, love this look!
Second—(because I can never just say one thing, right?)—taking photos used to make me uncomfortable too, but I just decided to change my perspective on it, kinda like you! I’d make eye contact and smile and start talking with people if they looked interested! It certainly made it more fun. Besides, when you tell people you have a blog, most people have no idea what that means or what to say!! It’s quite humorous!!
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
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I feel uncomfortable taking pictures outside too! I live in a small town and people are quite nosy! lol They do look and stare which makes me feel quite uncomfortable. I often rush through it hoping no one will come by. I think that is why I often end up taking pictures early in the morning because I know most people are in still in bed. Other times I take pictures in places that most tourist go to so I am not the only one taking pictures.
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Hi, I not even tried to have photos taken out side of the house yet! so well done you. Nice to link up with you. You’ve got some great shots. Jacqui
http://www.mummabstylish.com
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I am so comfortable with photos now that it doesn’t dawn on me when cars or passerbys go by or watch. My hubby has been the brave one to tell everyone I have a blog as he shoots away (what would I do without him). You look great in this post, love the red pops.
Thank you for linking up to “Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me”
Rachel xo
http://garaytreasures.com
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I love all the red accents!
❤︎
Dakota D.
http://fannypacksandvisors.com
Instagram/Snapchat/Twitter: @missdsquared413
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Pingback: Blush Jeans and Ruffled Top - Twenty Something Fashion
I totally get you on this Sheela. Take my post that I have linked up, Thousands of flats with balconies all around me,loads of people watching – I hate it and feel so uncomfortable! What we do for blogging ! I have even had some abuse shouted at me during photos, I have a polite finger sticking to those people in a photo. I keep all my photos of people invading my space, these are funny to look at, and I will be posting them at some time. Gorgeous top by the way, and your photos are always stunning xx
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
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You always look so fabulous and utterly insanely cool…I aspire to your awesomeness! Seriously, this outfit is perfect and the shots are stunning. I’m getting so much better about shooting in public, although I do still prefer that no one is around. I suppose I look a little bit weirder since I’m taking my shots myself with a tripod and timer…
Debbie
http://www.fashionfairydust.com
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You look fabulous, Sheela! I’m not a shy person, so I feel in my element when they take me pictures. I can have hundreds of people around me and that does not bother me at all. Since I was a little girl I loved photos. Yep, I’m was vain and I believe I still have “some” of that now…lol. Now, the problem is with my sweet husband. He hates taking pictures around people, he gets annoyed very quickly by people staring at the action. If you noticed in my pictures, they are always in lonely areas.
Carelia
http://mysmallwardrobe.com
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You look lovely. I love how to added a little bit of red color to the almost monochromatic outfit.
Anna
http://www.glamadventure.com
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My husband and I are still way too uncomfortable taking photos in public. I do agree that you do have get out of your comfort zone to get what you want. That’s something I do be it at the gym at work but not so much when it comes to my blog. I guess it’s just not that high of a priority in my life.
Love this outfit!
Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you soon!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
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I absolutely love that top! I agree, definitely awkward taking photos in public sometimes. I’ve finally started getting used to it though!
The Daily Delicacy
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This post left a smile on my face the whole time while reading it 🙂 It’s something probably every one of us has gone through and like you said, it’s essential to growth! I recently hit my 1 year blog-iversary and was reflecting on how things have changed for myself, too, and like you and I am loads more comfortable taking pictures with an ‘audience’ than when I first started. I used to feel myself clamming up whenever I felt eyes on me while trying to take pics and I just knew the more I let the stares get to me, the more uncomfortable I’d look and therefore the more embarrassing the whole situation would be. Now I just keep at my poses without giving the onlookers a second thought. I figure that as long as I look totally fine and like I know what I’m doing, they will just assume we’re ‘pros’ and won’t think twice of it either. It’s such a great feeling to be able to see that progress and feel yourself owning it and persisting in spite of all the self-doubt and negative feelings that can come along with starting a fashion blog.
p.s. you’re rocking these pics, I love the self-confidence and love the outfit as well!
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Thought provoking as usual and with fabulous pictures. This theme of being comfortable with being uncomfortable seems to be an extension of your post on being an introvert and this aptly applies to the process of photo taking for a blog. I get the shyness aspect but we (husband and I) mostly get annoyed at the people who get in the way or offer advice.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
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“I’ve gotten comfortable about feeling uncomfortable.” Life-changing words! And you look at ease and gorgeous. xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
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Love the poses! I need to let loose a bit! I do know though that usually I feel this way to a certain extent but find places where there may not be a ton of people. But if you find the perfect spot, why not? You gotta do , what you gotta do! Love the pic with the pop of red in your sunglasses, the top so fun with the OTS and stripes both in the clutch and fab top. Love the red lip too!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
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This has got to be one of my most favorite looks of yours, Sheela! I absolutely love everything about it. The top looks so good on you and I love the cohesive feel that the clutch adds to it and you look SO good sporting a red lip! I’ve felt the same when taking photos for my blog, especially when people literally stop and stare. I’ve had people park their cars and watch, take their phones out and try to record me, it’s so weird and often uncomfortable! However, after reading many blogs in which fellow style bloggers shared the same experiences, I didn’t find it that odd anymore, it’s more expected, haha! I guess we’re all that interesting, though I don’t understand why these days. I find people chasing Pokémon around town a bit more interesting to stop and watch! Haha! Thanks so much for sharing and I hope you have a great week ahead, beauty!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
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Que pasada, me encanta como vistes. Eres genial. Un besito y te invito a visitar mis siete maravillas. Un besito.
Las siete maravillas de Amanda.
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