How To Stop Feeling Invisible!
“The best things in life are not seen or heard…but felt with the heart.” Helen Keller
REFRAME YOUR MINDSET OF INVISIBLENESS
Lately I have been hearing people (especially women) say or post on social media how they feel invisible, their voice doesn't matter or no one sees them. Let's take time to unpack those words and feelings and reframe it. How would you reframe "feeling invisible" or "no one sees or hears me?"
Are you feeling discouraged today? Do you feel like no one sees or hears you (just ask a parent!!), do you think you are not making a difference? You might hear YES screaming in your mind, but that does NOT make it true. Let’s rewrite the narrative. Let’s flip it!
Facts may point to a reality listed above, but truth is different. Facts and truth are different. I truly believe this! Truth is saying “keep doing what you are doing” “you are making a difference” “you will see a breakthrough” “your setback is a set up for greater things” “you are going over not under” “yes, there have been mistakes and missed opportunities, but you grew through them.”
How are you defining “being visible?” You are visible, however, it may not be manifesting the way you expected it to be. Your voice is being heard, but it may not be appreciated the way you thought it would or should be. Look at all of the ways you are making an impact in your life and in the lives of others. Take time to evaluate all of the good you are doing, the impact you are making and the lives you are touching. Let that be the springboard for you to know you are visible!
STEP BY STEP TO YOUR PURPOSE AND VOICE
What are some steps you can start today when the voice in your head is saying, “you are invisible?” What can you do today when you feel you are not being heard or you are feeling isolated? The brain is very resourceful and wants to protect you…. but it is time to say NO to invisibleness and YES to your purpose.
Step 1: Own How You Feel. It doesn’t mean you are wrong or your feelings are not invalid. Don’t ignore them, but lean into them. Take the time to ask yourself, “Why do I feel this way?” “Why is this showing up in my life?” “What is the truth behind it so that I can move forward?” Learn how to put “invisibleness” into its proper perspective and place so you can take the necessary steps to move forward with a new mindset. Try looking at your situation as if it's not happening to you, but to a friend who has asked you for advice on this topic. What would you say to them?
Step 2: Keep It In Perspective. Don’t look at the highlight reel of others, especially on social media. On social media, you only see a snapshot in time of someone’s life. You don’t see the full movie. Do you feel you are working just as hard, but not getting noticed? Do you feel you are overlooked? Ask yourself, “Am I really invisible or is it just not the right time or season for me to be recognized? You may be in a season of preparation, growth, emotional healing, etc., and then the doors will open. Give it time. Use this time to grow, mature, laser in on your gifts and talents, build our confidence.
Step 3: Prepare For Where You Want To Be. Start preparing for where you want to be down the road. Start seeing it, speaking it and believing it. Use this time to develop yourself to be the person you want to be, who you want to become and who you are meant to be. When that moment arrives, you will be ready to step into that space.
Step 4: Control What You Can. Society will always have an opinion about you, your age group, your profession, your choices, your voice, etc. Only you can control you and how you will respond. Respond with an attitude that you are not going to be silenced and discouraged. Respond with integrity, confidence and strength. It is your choice to give into other’s perspective of you or your choice to step up and speak up.
Step 5: Share Your Story. By allowing others to see your struggles and triumphs, they too will see themselves in your story and be encouraged to not give up and not to get swallowed up by feelings of invisibleness. You will encourage others to step out into their space with a new sense of purpose, confidence, joy and personal drive.
Step 6: Believe In Yourself. This world is big enough to hold all of us. It can hold all of our goals, dreams, visions, accomplishments, and presence. Own it. Believe that you have a purpose to impact others and to accomplish all that you desire. You have a place in this world. If you have breath, you have a purpose. Don't wait for someone to validate YOU or YOUR hard work.... validate yourself! Make yourself visible to YOU!!!! How can you validate yourself today?
High-Five Yourself – “Your subconscious doesn’t physiologically know the difference between a high-five from someone else and yourself. When you give yourself a high-five, even if you’re thinking you’re a piece of shit who doesn’t deserve it, you get a hit of dopamine. It’s neurologically impossible for your brain to beat itself up and accept a high-five at once. You will experience a slight energy surge, because your nervous system knows what a high-five is and the gesture itself communicates for you. You are literally reprogramming your brain.”- Mel Robbins
If you want to overcome feelings of invisibleness, then start with a high five. See yourself in the mirror, give yourself a high five, rewire your brain and start walking in your unique, one-of-a-kind-path and know you are visible!
Your path and your calling are unique to you, and they are NOT meant to be used the same as others. Your gifts and calling are irrevocable…meaning they are yours …from God …for life …to be used for His purpose. You have been given the honor and privilege to be a part of it.
Be encouraged my courageous friend… God sees you and He hears you! Don’t give up!