I can’t believe I’m about to admit this ...
During my reporting trip in Lebanon, I sometimes skipped exploring refugee camps to watch YouTube videos.
That’s right. On the Syrian border, surrounded by stories, I’d watch vloggers like @chase_chewning work out.
Ridiculous, right?
Absolutely.
But -- that’s how I realized news is not my ONLY passion.
You see, vloggers aren’t just about fitness. They open up about everything: quitting their jobs; turning side hustles into businesses; dating; moving; growing; changing.
When I went to Lebanon to report, my first article was an exposé on Syrian child labor. It was @Vox’s lead online story. A @nytimes reporter shared it. I should’ve been elated.
But I wasn’t … and I knew why.
I would’ve never published that story, gone overseas OR quit my job … if it weren’t for the headspace I had gotten into.
Months before leaving Buffalo, I focused on: eating healthy, exercising, meditating & writing gratitudes. These habits cleared my mind. Helped me stop caring what others thought. Encouraged me to carve my own path.
And I wanted to help others do the same.
But there was one problem … I was too insecure to put it all out there 😬
Slooooowly but surely, I’ve opened up. But I still catch myself holding back. So back in November, I had a wild idea. I flew across the country, DM’d Chase and asked for help.
“How did you get over being insecure on camera? Grow your platform? Permanently leave your job?”
I had no idea if he’d respond … and was FLOORED when he agreed to meet!
Chase told me everything: how he went from being miserable at his 9-5 to launching his own business, podcast and YouTube channel -- all by not caring what others think.
This summer, I’m taking his advice to Lebanon. I’m going to continue carving my own career path and, hopefully, inspire others.
If you want to do the same, but let fear get in the way, THIS IS FOR YOU. My convo with Chase is on my YouTube now. Play it in the car, at the gym, wherever … but I promise it’s worth the listen 😃