To share or not to share?
- “Don’t share controversial topics. You will lose followers. Keep your platform a positive place.”
- “Keep sharing because people need to wake up and the followers you lose bring you that much closer to your real tribe”.
I’ve heard it all.
What a mind f*ck it is to be on social media, especially right now during this pandemic. Stay silent and pretend like everything is okay? Or share things and then get censored on instagram, facebook and/or youtube? Or get awful messages calling me horrible things? I could just share happy hormone posts in order to protect my business and keep a “positive platform”, or I could venture off a little and share things that may make some people uncomfortable (even though doing this makes me lose followers), but at least they are MY TRUTH. Not everyone will like it. But maybe some people could relate to what I share. Maybe I would feel a little less alone…
The thing is, I see all sides of this. I don’t think there is a right way but I do think its important to share your truth. I battle with protecting my business and trying to grow my following while also staying true to myself and not being a cookie cutter blogger who only shares the good stuff. Eye roll.
I also feel like if you are struggling to survive and get through the day, its totally okay to not listen to anything that is happening in the world right now and just want to avoid it all. Some people are just getting by and that’s okay. I’ve done all of the above. There is no right or wrong way.
Something else I’m struggling with is wondering what am I even doing anymore? Do I still want to be a vegan blogger? I’ve worked so hard on keeping my blog alive and now on writing my second book… but with what feels like not a lot to show for it (and not very much money… says every author haha). I can’t think about it because it immediately brings me to tears. I know the opportunity lies in the aftermath of the book and authors nowadays don’t write books to make money necessarily, but rather to have something to bring them to the next level and share with the world. I think what I’m trying to say is, my creativity has been totally tapped out and my brain… completely fried. Don’t get me wrong though, I’m very happy and thankful my first book has helped a number of women. And very excited to get this cookbook out and into your kitchens!
I can’t wait to focus on making a course or starting a period coaching program, being more interactive with you guys, and putting my books to use! This is what is missing from my life. A community that I actually have time to interact with. I feel like I haven’t had one second to breathe since 2018 and it all stems down to how much writing two books back to back has taken out of me.
So you guys, I’m not giving up. It’s been 6 years of working for myself and not one second has been easy. I still believe I have a bigger purpose. I must continue, even if I don’t know how or in what direction I’m going. I’m thinking about all of you. This may seem like a confusing blog post, but it’s one that needed to be written for my sanity.
I just found your blog and love it. This is EXCACTLY what I need. Thank you and keep up your amazing work 🙂 <3
Hugs from Sweden
You’re exactly right. Be louder than the call to conform to fake standards for one group that you don’t truly belong to. I’d say this is a rebellious move, but it’s one that is refreshing to the spirit and healing for that sheeplike mentality towards ‘what is popular’, and fitting into that awful standard. We are made to flourish and bloom, and with 8 billion people on this planet, I’d say we are all beautiful blooms that look different in their own way. You’ll run into the odd poison oak or poison ivy on your journey, but you put on some salve and brush it off and keep adventuring. Anyway, I hope you continue with your joyful posting and the unique and special way you view the world, and that you never conform to the glossy, uniform, all-the-same grooming that some voices would have you listen to. Keep on veggin’! Cheers from a bartender in Iowa. 😉
This is just the best blog post ever. Your nuanced honesty is totally inspiring. Thank you for everything you’ve done in the past 6 years, you are amazing. Just Sunday night I cooked your buffalo tofu thing for friends and they loved it. Everyone always does with your recipes. Totally get it if you need to go and seek elsewhere for a while…. your tribe will be waiting for you when you come back ❤️❤️❤️
I am so glad I read this post today !! It is OK to question your path and future goals!
It is honest and refreshing!! You have accomplished so much with your E books, Happy Hormone Guide, upcoming cook book, blog posts, hundreds of delicious recipes, videos, etc ! No wonder you are tired ! I am also self employed, and it is difficult to feel like your day is done, or that you have accomplished what you set out to do !. You inspire me ! I have read many responses about how you have positively impacted many friends and followers. Take a break, rejuvenate, and keep going Shannon. We need you !!
I was just telling a friend about your amazing blog today! Your post on how to detox from birthcontrol was a complete lifesaver for me. I was so thankful for that you would share so much good content for free that I was more than happy to buy your first book, and I am eager for the next one to come out! You are doing such improtant work and your content is so valuable. It has certainly made a positive difference in my life.
I hope you feel seen and supported by all of us out here. Thank you for everything you do, Shannon!
You are one of the few blogs I have consistently followed – and have for the last 6 years! You create amazing content and bring such refreshing transparency. Take some time to rejuvenate and rest – but I do hope you continue to share your journey and outlook on the blog 🙂
Thank you for all that you do!
Hello Shannon, do you still recommend Microbe Formulas? Have you maintained the improvements you mention in your post? If you still recommend it, do you have any updated advice for someone about to start it esp on a limited budget. Are all the products necessary? I would appreciate any advice so much! Thank you
The beginning of your article really had me worried there! I’m glad to hear you’re definitely not planning on giving up because you are doing amazing work. Go with your gut feeling, do what feels right and it will turn out great. Unfortunately, I’ve experienced the consequences of pushing myself for years to do something that didn’t feel right. Burnout isn’t something I would wish on anyone… Which is why you should always question everything, because that’s the only way to truly know.
Lots of love
I love your stuff! I bought your hormone guide a couple months ago and I am almost 33 and like- what the heck how have I gone my whole life trying to make healthy life choices and didn’t know any of this!? You’re making a difference, I rarely comment on blogs and posts for that matter but your book (and a lot of what you share) makes so much sense on an internal level. I just wanted to share that I think about many of my day to say decisions now based on some of the principles you’ve shared – and I am really thankful for your insight.
I can honestly say you are one of my favorite IG accounts! I have shared your book with at least 6 of my close family and friends and I feel like I can always go to your page/blog and feel good about the information I read. Stay true to yourself, and whatever comes from it will be what is meant to be. You are a voice to many women and you should continue to believe in helping others- it’s clearly what you were meant to do! thank you for all you do and all you have shared with us, it means so much!
You would make an amazing health/hormone coach! I’ve also been struggling with my career not bringing me the joy or fulfillment it once did but becoming a wellness coach seems near impossible. Whether you take a break or not, your crew will be here waiting for your return.
I have been following you for a while now and I also have your book and love it. If your ultimate goal is to create a community your content should attract your community and repel others, which sounds like is happening when you share your truth!
Please don’t give up! I’ve been following you for two years and truly enjoy all the information you put out. I enjoy all the vegan recipes and while I don’t think I fit your typical Happy Hormone audience,(I’m turning 50 in August) I do still have my period and some of your topics still relate to me. I’m sorry you couldn’t get more interest on the breast tenderness topic because that’s something I deal with often and would have enjoyed hearing what you had to say.
Anyway, you’ve put so much effort into your blog and there are always ups and downs but I hope you choose to stick with this
Don’t give up! This is life. You will experience people who will shut you down in a heart beat. Just remember that on your corner, you have a bunch of women and men rooting for you. Keep fighting. Prove the hateful comments wrong. There are women (like myself) who have followed you for years and appreciate your content. I know it doesn’t pay bills but you do make an impact. Sending you lots of love. I will do my best to read, like and fw your content to help. I know it’s hard but you have the guts and are brave to be doing what you’re doing.
Don’t give up! You’re amazing and I appreciate you!