BEYOND THE SPOTLIGHT: UNLEASHING COURAGE TO CONQUER STAGE FRIGHT AND FEAR OF FAILURE

 

When the spotlight beckons, it casts its glow on the stage where dreams and aspirations collide with the harsh reality of fear. For many, the mere thought of stepping into that bright circle is enough to trigger a cascade of apprehension and self-doubt. Stage fright and the fear of failure are very much the Achilles heel, of our aspirations and potential. Coincidentally, within the depths of fear lie dormant seeds of courage, waiting to be nurtured and unleashed.

As I like to share with young people, there are few great men on earth if any who have never had to face their fears. I dare to say; every mortal you know has questioned his or her credentials when propped on the stage of life at one point or the other. And there are no hard and fast rule by which we must play or wriggle our ways out. However, there are a few pointers that might help;

Understanding Fear: Fear, that primal instinct for self-preservation, manifests in myriad forms – from the fluttering butterflies in our stomachs to the paralyzing grip that renders us immobile. Stage fright and the fear of failure stem from a deep-seated aversion to vulnerability and rejection. The prospect of stumbling over lines, missing a cue, or falling short of expectations triggers a cascade of anxiety, threatening to engulf us in a tidal wave of doubt and insecurity.

 

Reframing Failure: Yet, what if failure were not the antagonist but rather the protagonist of our narrative? What if, instead of viewing failure as a damning indictment of our worth, we saw it as a crucible for growth and resilience? Consider the tale of J.K. Rowling, whose manuscript for "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" was rejected by twelve publishers before finding a home. Rather than succumbing to despair, Rowling embraced failure as a stepping stone to success, channeling her setbacks into fuel for her creative fire.

Building Courage: Courage, that elusive quality revered by poets and philosophers alike, is not the absence of fear but rather the audacity to act in spite of it. Like a muscle, courage must be exercised and strengthened through deliberate practice. Start small – perhaps by volunteering to speak at a local event or enrolling in an improv class. Each step outside the comfort zone serves as a crucible for courage, forging resilience and fortitude in the face of adversity.

Harnessing Visualization and Positive Affirmations: Visualization, the art of conjuring vivid mental images, serves as a potent antidote to stage fright. Before stepping onto the stage, close your eyes and visualize yourself delivering a flawless performance, each word uttered with confidence, each gesture

imbued with purpose. Similarly, positive affirmations act as a shield against the slings and arrows of self-doubt. Repeat phrases like "I am capable," "I am prepared," and "I am worthy of success" until they reverberate with unwavering conviction.

Seeking Support and Feedback: No man is an island, and no performer thrives in isolation. Surround yourself with a tribe of mentors, peers, and loved ones who champion your aspirations and celebrate your victories. Seek constructive feedback with humility and grace, recognizing that criticism is not a condemnation of your worth but rather a catalyst for growth. Remember, even the most seasoned performers stumble – it's how we rise from the fall that defines us.

 Embracing the Journey: In the end, courage is not a destination but rather a journey – a pilgrimage of self-discovery and self-actualization. Celebrate your victories, no matter how small, and learn from your defeats with humility and grace. Embrace the inherent messiness of the creative process, recognizing that growth often arises from the ashes of failure. As Nelson Mandela famously remarked, "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it."

So, as you stand on the precipice of uncertainty, gazing into the abyss of fear and doubt, remember this; within the depths of fear lies the dormant seed of courage, waiting to be nurtured and unleashed. By reframing failure, building resilience, and embracing the journey with humility and grace, you can transcend the shackles of fear and step boldly into the spotlight of success.

MUTATION

 

The road ahead is straight,

Passing through 'Brokenhopesville',

In auspiciously strait,

Shadowy deceptions,

No light shines through the roof of pines,

For here, the sun is blind.

Mama said, youth' are days of light,

But mine are blight,

Nights with no endings,

Bleak as it peaks.

In the heat of  the conundrums

Friends like wax melts,

And as fiends pick on my soul,

I wet my bed with tears,

Like an incursion I feel change,

Creeping in on me,

I guess this is what you call 'mutation'

Balancing Act: Navigating Mental Health in the Digital Age

 

In the ever-evolving landscape of the digital age, where every click, like, and share carries the potential to shape our lives, it's no wonder that the topic of mental health has come to the forefront. As our online and offline worlds become increasingly intertwined, we find ourselves grappling with the impact of technology on our well-being. This is a short attempt to explain the complexities of mental health in the digital age, exploring both the perils and the promises it holds.

The Digital Dilemma

The rise of smartphones and social media platforms has brought us closer together, yet paradoxically, it has also contributed to feelings of isolation and anxiety. According to a study by the Royal Society for Public Health, heavy use of social media is associated with increased rates of depression, anxiety, and poor sleep quality. The constant comparison to curated online personas can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

 Renowned psychologist Jean Twenge, in her book "iGen," has explored how the smartphone generation's mental health is distinctly shaped by their digital experiences. She notes the correlation between the steep rise in smartphone usage and the increase in feelings of loneliness and depression among adolescents.

The Power of Connection

But it's not all doom and gloom. Technology also provides valuable tools for maintaining and improving mental health. Mental health apps, teletherapy platforms, and online support communities have democratized access to mental health resources. These digital tools offer convenience, affordability, and anonymity, making it easier for individuals to seek help and connect with others who share their experiences. 

Writer Johann Hari, in his book "Lost Connections," investigates the root causes of depression and anxiety and argues that meaningful social connections are crucial for our mental well-being. In the digital age, forging connections can be facilitated by online communities and support networks. These spaces provide solace and understanding to individuals facing similar challenges.

Striking a Balance

 So, how can we strike a balance between the digital world and our mental health? Here are some strategies:

 a.    Mindful Consumption: Be conscious of your screen time and the content you consume. Unfollow accounts that make you feel inadequate or anxious, and set boundaries on when and where you use your devices.

b.    Digital Detox: Consider periodic digital detoxes where you disconnect from screens to reconnect with the physical world and yourself. Take this time to engage in offline hobbies and activities.

 c.    Mental Health Apps: Explore mental health apps that offer meditation, mindfulness, or mood tracking features. These tools can help you better understand and manage your emotional well-being.

 d.    Seek Professional Help: If you're struggling with your mental health, don't hesitate to seek the guidance of a mental health professional. There is no shame in walking into the clinic and seek the attention of a medical doctor with mental health training or a Psychologist. Many therapists now even offer online counseling services. Talk to someone with the training to help.

e.    Community Support: Join groups, communities or forums focused on mental health. Sharing your experiences and hearing from others can provide valuable support and understanding.  

 f.      Seek and build human relationship: Though social media platforms have granted us the ability to connect with friends, family, and acquaintances more easily than ever before. But as we accumulate online friends and followers, we often find ourselves questioning the depth of these connections. The constant barrage of status updates, likes, and emojis can leave us feeling oddly disconnected from the people we're supposedly "connected" to. And because digital interactions often lack the depth and authenticity of face-to-face conversations, seek and build sincere human relationships, instead of spending too much time online.

The digital age is a double-edged sword when it comes to mental health. It can both exacerbate and alleviate mental health issues. To navigate this era successfully, we must be conscious of our digital consumption, harness the power of technology for our benefit, and prioritize our mental well-being. As we continue to shape our relationship with technology, let's remember that our mental health is the most precious asset we have, deserving of our care and attention in this brave new yet tumultuous digital world.