I have done everything in my power to avoid video interviews. When I did my blog tour for my book, Tiny Buddha: Simple Wisdom for Life’s Hard Questions, I did mostly written interviews, after pushing for that. As a writer, I enjoy taking time to gather my thoughts and communicate precisely what I want to say.
But I’m far less enthused when it comes to being on camera—especially when that camera is a webcam that’s two feet away from my face.
Still, when my new friend Sibyl of The Possibility of Today suggested a video interview, I decided to oblige; after all, comfort zones are meant for stretching.
After we spoke, I felt confident I spoke straight my heart, and I was excited to see the interview once it was edited. Then I saw it. And I seriously considered not sharing it.
Because I was a little nervous on that day, I found myself feeling distracted by my own face in the tiny box on Skype. So instead of looking directly at Sibyl while I spoke, I darted my eyes back and forth in an attempt to keep my focus.
When I first watched this video, I felt insecure and self-conscious. As a perfectionist, I sometimes find it tempting to scrutinize things I do in ways I doubt other people would. Then I watched the video again and listened to my words—particularly this one part about learning not to be hard on myself.
There I was, doing just that.
I realized then that this is a perfect result for this video interview I was nervous to give, because it provides an opportunity to reflect my own words back to myself and really walk my walk.
So here it is: a tiny video, straight from my heart.
About Lori Deschene
Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.
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Though I run this site, it is not mine. It's ours. It's not about me. It's about us. Your stories and your wisdom are just as meaningful as mine. 
:)Lori!!!! Thanks so much for showing your so pretty face and smile to share some beautiful thoughts!
Regards from Portugal,
Mariana
Congratulations…on taking a big step out of your comfort zone. You came across as genuine and thoughtful, and that’s I appreciate all that you said. I totally get the vulnerability you feel when you put yourself out there in a new way. I hope you are proud of yourself for going for it!!!!
I just wanted to thank you for stretching out of your comfort zone … and giving us readers a fuller impression of the person you are. Getting to hear your voice and see you move adds so much more to the impression I have gleaned of you as a reader. You’re human – just like the rest of us! 🙂
Aww Lori…you did wonderfully! I hope to see more videos from you in the future. You’re a natural 🙂
Well done Lori;-) I totally agree with my co-posters, thanks for stretching out your comfort zone, it motivates me to do the same. It is lovely to see a face and hear a voice with reading your blog!
Mass communication is often about understanding one’s audience. You never set out to become famous or be perfect on screen. You set out to broaden a worldview that made this planet a healthier home for loving and connected people. Please know your audience shares this dream and only the unenlightened would not welcome your words and smile in the package it came in.
Congrats on challenging yourself to become a better communicator in spite of your fears.
For me, your blog is a touchstone to peace in a blitzkrieg of information and technology. It’s my favorite.
e
Hi Lori, Thanks so much of having the courage to show us your vulnerability but also your beautiful heart and mind by posting this. I read your blog since a couple of month and it has helped me while going through one of the most difficult times in my life. Reading this post and seeing you live on video has given me the courage to leave my comfort zone and write my first post.
I thought the interview was great! It’s nice to see you “in person” and hear you speak from your wonderful, courageous heart. I would love to see more of these videos in the future as well! Keep up the great work, Lori!
The eyes are not a problem. I would likely be a lot more concerned by the tendency of web cams not to really lip sync.
Thanks
PS Your current photo with the hat doesn’t do you justice.
We are all connected. I did write on it not that long ago. But more so, the realization has helped me with all the people I interact with, even those I know well. Its not odd to think we are connected to those we know well, but it is amazing how all those little things that bug us can really turn around when we become aware of connection and why those things are brought up for us.
Mahalo Lori. Always good thoughts to ponder in your articles.
Inspiring!
Kudos to you Lori! I feel the same way about the camera.
Plus, there is something a bit unnatural to look at a computer and “talk” to it – so I can totally relate! By the way, you were adorable :)Peace & Love,~ Lee
You’re so funny, Lori, I would have probably been distracted by my tiny face at the bottom of the screen too! Thank you for opening yourself up to something you found uncomfortable, it helps the rest of us open ourselves in ways we’ve been resistent to. Also, with all of the great things I’ve been reading from you over the past few months, you should take some of your advice more often! 😉
I know, Yes I really do know.
Thanks so much Lori for opening up your heart and going out your comfort zone. You have truly inspired me.
Thank you so much for being brave enough to step out of your comfort zone! In doing so, you will inspire so many to do the same.
And also, thank you for allowing yourself to be vulnerable. I admire you all the more because you are completely authentic. We’re all on this journey together. You did a beautiful job! 🙂
Thank you, Lori. It is amazing how someone so young, so cute and adorable can bring so much insight. Your articles inspire me everyday!
Isn’t it wonderful that what is REALLY important is what you can share and teach and what’s not so important is that your eyes might dart around a bit! I enjoyed the video very much and loved you answers to her questions!!
Thanks for sharing the video ..your articles are very inspiring n you are totally adorable regards Ntasha
Thanks so much. Perhaps I will do more! =)
Thanks Wendela! I had a feeling I would be happy I did it, despite my initial resistance. I appreciate your support!
Thank you so much Emurr. I would actually never want to be famous, but I do so love being connected. Thank you also for teaching me a new word–blitzkrieg. I had to look it up! 🙂
That’s great Claudia! I feel so good to know I inspired you in that way. I would love to read your first post!
Thanks so much Jenn! Perhaps I will do more. =)
I actually didn’t notice that the first time, but you’re right! Thank you for the nice compliment. =)
I am indeed! Thanks for watching and commenting. =)
I am Jocelyn! Thanks for the congratulations!
Thank you Ntasha. I’m glad you enjoy my posts!
You’re most welcome. Thanks for watching Mariana!
So true Rocky! I know little things like that are so unimportant–but sometimes I need reminders. I’m glad you enjoyed my answers!
Thanks so much Bobbie. =)
Thanks Jodi! I shared what I wanted to say, and I’m glad I also shared my little insecurities, because it takes power away from them when I’m honest in this way!
You’re most welcome. Thank you for watching and commenting!
Thanks so much Christopher. I actually write a lot of the things I say to myself–because I sometimes I really need those reminders!
Yes, it does feel kind of unnatural. Thank so much for the kind words! =)
Thanks Pam!
I just recorded myself speaking last week for work and when I listened back to it I was so uncomfortable with seeing myself. It took a few days for everything to sink in and to forgive myself for saying ‘uhm’ quite so much. I know it was good for me to stretch though, and I’m glad you did this video too. I think I only have seen 1 other video that you posted, but I really would like you to do more. You come across so genuine and like a true friend. Makes me want to pick up the phone and give you a call (except that I’m a total stranger and live across the country!).
thank you for your courage and your inspiring words! you spoke with integrity and grace.
Lori,
I loved getting to hear your voice and see your beautiful self on video. Thanks for sharing every day with your readers –
From one of your 60 year old readers.
I think your video was great, Lori! I subscribed to your blog about two years ago and have enjoyed it ever since the beginning…the positivity and wisdom has helped me through many tough times, so for that, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’ve always thought you seemed like someone I would be friends, and after seeing your video, I think that even more! So thank you!
I think I suffer from the same self conscious perfectionism that you have. Everyday it seems to be a constant struggle to do the best I can to become something “better” in the future, rather than taking in THIS wonderful moment with its amazing possibilities. Thanks for the post. Little by little, brick by brick, we build our ability to be in the present and react to our everyday lives with love and compassion.
Wonderful. You nailed it. It’s exactly how many people feel about speaking and being in front of camera. Wonderful interview, and you’re very cute 😉
Thanks so much Rytis. =)
Little by little indeed. The tiny steps all add up!
Thanks so much! I would love to have a party and invite everyone here. How wonderful it would be to take these friendships off the web. =)
You’re most welcome Carol. Thank you for being here!
Thanks so much Rio, and you’re most welcome. =)
So for you it’s um and for me it’s near constant eye movement. LOL It’s definitely a weird feeling to be on camera like this, and yet kind of fun too (when I don’t take it too seriously). I think I will do more!
It’s nice to hear your voice in this video! It feels like you’re letting us into your world, and it’s so refreshing. I get nervous when I’m on camera too. Maybe that’s because I’m being more truthful?
Good job. Can we expect more videos?
Thanks so much Sage! I wasn’t originally planning to do more videos, but seeing the response, I’m thinking I may. I feel great about overcoming my resistance, and it’s fun to express myself through a new medium. =)