I’ve been making videos and having fun! And, maybe most surprisingly, enjoying not being perfect.
On video-making
As I look for more ways to reach people as a naturopathic doctor, it felt natural to turn to video. Natural, but not easy. The idea of putting myself out there has felt daunting for the past decade.
Now, video-editing tools have made it possible for someone like me to create something I’m genuinely excited to share. Something I couldn’t have imagined making on my own.
But the bigger change hasn’t been the technology. It’s giving myself permission to create without needing everything to be perfect.
Because that fear has kept me quiet. I’ve been so afraid of criticism or saying something wrong that I’ve barely let myself use my voice online.
In person, y’all know it’s different! ;)
What has kept me from creating
I take the responsibility of sharing health information seriously. I want what I share to be accurate, thoughtful, and useful.
But somewhere along the way, caring about getting things right became feeling like I could never get anything wrong.
Those aren’t the same thing.
I can take accuracy seriously without expecting every sentence, every video, and every delivery to be flawless. I can prepare carefully, acknowledge what I don’t know, and correct something when it needs correcting.
I can keep learning without staying silent.
What my relationships have taught me
I see this in my work with patients, too.
Sometimes I don’t explain something as clearly as I intended. Sometimes I misunderstand what someone needs in a moment. Sometimes my words don’t land the way I hoped.
When someone tells me, I have an opportunity to listen, apologize when needed, and adjust.
To those who have shared that feedback with me: thank you. You’ve helped me become a more thoughtful provider for you and for the people I care for after you.
Those close to me know I take these moments to heart. I replay the words I could have chosen differently and the moments when I could have listened more closely. I take none of it lightly.
And when someone continues to trust me with their care, I don’t take that for granted.
These relationships remind me that being caring and capable doesn’t require being flawless. It requires being willing to listen, take responsibility, and grow.
That’s what I’m trying to bring into these videos, too: care, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning.