Well, it’s been almost two weeks since This Girl Puts Out came to life online. It’s been a bit of a roller coaster emotionally. I hadn’t realized this had become my second child. I messed up a bit though, and I need to come clean.
I wanted to launch TGPO this without too much fanfare, flying just a bit under the radar. Two reasons. First, I wanted you to know I was legit, and that this project was all about helping people. I wanted you to feel safe and know I truly cared about you. Combining that with bells and whistles just didn’t feel right to me. So, no live event, no prizes for subscribing, no freebies, nada.
Second, I was afraid you might think I was trying to make money exploiting the most intimate details of your life. I am not selling you. There is no profit for me here other than the gift of connecting women through experiences and hopefully making you feel better about yourself. I have self-funded the site and podcast and hope to continue to be able to do it for a long time.
But maybe there was also a tiny voice inside of me that was afraid you would reject me, and tell me this was all silliness. Of course, there was. That self-doubt we need to constantly work to keep in check reared her ugly head once again. And that is probably more the reason I chose a soft, quiet little launch instead of a big ass party than any of the other reasons above.
I realized this by 11:00 am the day I went live. I was sitting in my living room, reading all of the wonderful comments and feedback, crying deep, grateful tears. I was actually quite a mess. Why was I alone at this awesome moment in my life? Why hadn’t I planned something fun and surrounded myself with my people? Why did I stifle what should have been a celebration?
I phoned a friend, who immediately heard something off in my voice. Want me to come over? Yes! My good friend came to sit with me for hours, and do all the things you need a friend to do. We went through all the messages and comments, while she reaffirmed for me that I had done something good. We ate cheese, lots of cheese. She didn’t even comment when I kept. Eating. The. Cheese. We talked about all the good that is hopefully yet to come from TGPO. And when she left, I knew, that I absolutely had to plan a re-do.
Self-awareness is an amazing thing.
So let the planning of the second launch of TGPO begin! This time I won’t be afraid. I will get out of my head. I will have bells and whistles. I will make more noise. I am celebrating the hell out of what we have made together, and I am celebrating YOU! Because after all, that’s really what this project is all about. And the little voice sitting in the back of the room? She’s totally getting bounced. XO Karm
Photo Credit: Chelsea Sears http://chelseamodernimages.com/
Amazing job Karmell, so proud of you.
thanks momma, you made me 😘
I love your honesty and this whole project! We all need to kick that voice of self doubt to the curb!!! I can’t wait to see how this evolves. All the best!!!
Lisa
Hi Lisa, thank you for the message and encouragement! We are too old to be wondering if we’re good enough! Please consider contributing, I would LOVE to hear from you!
Love your honesty! Keep going for it!
Thank you Kelly! Still a work in progress…this feels good though!
You have always been amazing but this is bigger. I am so glad you found your calling and that you went for it. Thank you for creating this amazing community.
Anna, you are an inspiration to me, always pushing forward. I love that we are finding creative paths at the same time. You are busier than most people I know, yet you make time for what is important. Thank you for joining me here and in life!
Hi Karm. I just wanted to tell you how much you touched me, a 76 yr. old man who is the father of one of your contributors. We’ve known each other for a long time but from a distance sort of. I know your site is focused on women but it’s really human including men who need to be vulnerable and hear others being so. I believe God heals us on the inside when we can be honest and trust.
XO Alan
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments Mr. Schug. Messages like this confirm what I’ve thought all along….people are craving connection and honesty. Thank you for pointing out that men need this too. Much love and gratitude, Karm