So many of us only follow one type of person on social media. People related to our industry. People who say things we agree with.
Obvious people.
Safe people.
But so many of us also choose to NOT follow certain people because they trigger us. Because the person is successful at what we want to do (which makes us feel inadequate) or even simply because we disagree with that person.
I call these people courage mentors.
These are people who consistently share content way beyond our comfort zones.
Courage mentors live on the margins. They are different from 99% of the people you follow. They are not afraid of controversial topics. Sometimes their approach might feel aggressive or uncomfortable. And they consistently create attention-grabbing content, which means they probably make a lot of noise.
But by triggering the shit out of us on social media, they teach us through example how to be more courageous in our own lives.
It’s okay to NOT agree with all of their posts or all of their stances on a topic. But they must be someone who you can respect.
That being said, here are three of my courage mentors who I follow on social media:
Nicole Arbour , a beautiful and brilliant comedian who won’t back down from anyone. She’s not afraid of controversy, and even leverages it to her advantage so her messages will have a greater impact on the world. (photo credit: @theedavidd)
Taylor Oakes, an intimate photographer who brings her sexual experiences into her amazing work. She’s speaks candidly about her mental health, she doesn’t hold back her truth. She’s raw, real and unapologetic. (photo credit: @katelynscottboudoir)
Adam Roa, an artist who shares the most intimate parts of his life with the world: including his very public breakup (conscious uncoupling), his childhood sexual abuse, his conscious masturbation practice and of course all of his art.
I’m triggered by all three of these people because of their COURAGE and their IMPACT.
And guess what? That’s OKAY.
They’re not afraid to piss people off. They don’t need everyone to feel good or agree with them. They know creating conversation is sometime more important than being diplomatic.
My courage mentors remind me that I can be controversial. They remind me that I can be intimate. That I can be bold and post naked photos of myself online. That I can pick a fight in the name of justice, speak my truth, or even just be soft and allow my armour to fall to the ground.
And by following them on social media, it’s like I’m in a mastermind group without any of them knowing.
The most courageous people I have encountered are deeply connected to their purpose. They find power and strength from remembering that this life is about more than just them. They want to inspire hope and possibility.
And when the haters show up—which they always do—the most courageous people don’t run.
They double down and show the fuck up.
So whatever you do, don’t look away because you feel insecure about their success. Don’t shut them out because you compare yourself to them and feel inadequate. Focus instead on what you can learn.
Do you have any courage mentors? Tag them below.
