In recent months I’ve contemplated starting a vlog, or video blog, on YouTube. It’s something I’ve been interested in doing for a while, but my anxiety seems to always get the best of me. I can come up with a million ways why I shouldn’t do it or why it wouldn’t be beneficial to anyone, but I’ve made a promise to myself to face my fears and to do the things that I’ve been too afraid to do, and if I’m being honest, it scares the hell out of me.
The last few weeks I’ve been watching Native American vloggers on YouTube who record themselves and talk about their daily lives, teach a craft, talk about their culture and traditions, share health and beauty tips, or all of the above. The reason I watch native vloggers is because I can relate to them more than non-natives and they need the support. There are only a few native YouTubers out there, but that number is growing every day.
I thought that maybe I could contribute by starting my own vlog and allow people to see “a day in the life.” But, therein lies the problem; my life is boring! I don’t do anything or go anywhere exciting. I would just be a talking head. I don’t know what I could do to make my channel somewhat exciting or less boring.
Here are some ideas for my vlog:
- Art, crafts, etc.
- I could have days where I share my process of creating something. Maybe painting, beading, digital art, music.
- Poetry/Stories
- I thought about having days where I share some poetry I have written, or maybe a short story.
- Health
- I could have days where you follow long as I workout or share some of my own recipes for dieting. (I’m currently doing the keto diet and have lost over 20 pounds!)
- Gaming/Streaming
- I love to play video games. I might have days where I record myself playing a game or two while just chatting about my day. (I love this idea!)
Or I could just incorporate all of this into the channel. There wouldn’t be any set schedule, as I would want the channel to be as authentic as possible as people follow me throughout my day.
All of this sounds so exciting to me. But like I said, it scares the hell out of me.
There are things I want to talk about. There are questions I want to ask. I’m wanting to use this vlog to open myself up and finally reveal to people who I am, inside and out. No more hiding. I suspect there will be people who will get offended. I suspect I will have family and friends who will get offended. That’s not my intent. I just want to be open and honest and ask the questions that I’m looking for answers to.
I expect this vlog to change my life dramatically, because it’s what I want. It’s time for things to change in my life.
Life is passing by and I don’t want to be left behind.
So, before I go, there is a quote from Tecumseh that I wish to share with you and I hope that it lifts and motivates you to always be better.
Thank you for stopping by and I wish you the best everyday.
Do not allow others to make a path for you. It is yours and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you. Accept yourself and your actions. Own your thoughts. Speak up when wrong and apologize. Know your path at all times. To do this, you must know yourself inside and out. Accept your gifts as well as your shortcomings, and grow each day with honesty, integrity, compassion, faith, and brotherhood. I have made myself what I am.
-TECUMSEH, SHAWNEE
Michael Daugherty 