Around age 14, I started doubting my strength. I started wondering if I was worthy of everything I was doing, and the more things I did in the media, the more I thought I needed to put on a mask and be this perfect person. As time went the opportunities presented to me grew in importance. I started doing radio interviews when I was 15. Because I now knew that people actually cared about what I had to say, I got in my head that I had to speak perfectly and sound older than I was. But th more attention that I spent trying to control silly things like that, the more insecure and nervous I got. Finally, after supermodel, Miranda Kerr reached out to me that year, I realized that authenticity is what people want and admire the most.
Kerr is one of the most famous models in the world, and as such was extremely busy. People would flock for a product just because she promoted it. It is really easy to get caught up in fame and fortune, but Kerr stayed humble and grounded. I realized that she reached out with her heart to something she cared about, and was not doing it for attention. Because of this, I broke down in joyous sobs during a radio interview. People like grounded and genuine people with emotions and indviduality. That's what set Kerr apart from most Hollywood. With this in mind, I then took a step back and was able to ask myself, "why am I doing this?"
Why were people wanting me to promote their stuff, when they could have a professional do it? Simple, because it was something I truly believed in. Because I was believable.
Even so, when I was approached with the request to be on the cover of a local magazine, I was a little shocked and a bit scared. I didn't look like some model on a runway and I had never once told myself I was pretty. But the magazine wanted me because they knew what people really wanted. I had developed a positive, role model reputation in my community, and they wanted to help fuel that. That's when I started thinking about other causes I felt were important.
Having tried taking my life myself, I became very interested in related organizations. When I heard that Kid's Helpline Australia was looking for photos of all who supported Youth Suicide Prevention, I took advantage of the opportunity and sent in my photo. The result was a "Too Many Too Soon" commercial aired Australia-wide. Though I was one of thousands, the commercial zooms out to show a photomosaic of a young girl who had committed suicide. This had a profound affect on me.
Over many years, young adults in particular, have written to me expressing their newly found confidence and motivation because of my story. They all were inspired to look differently at their own lives and self-worth because of the example I was trying to set.
MY TIPS ON HOW TO BE POSITIVE INFLUENCE AND WHY:
1.) Humble yourself - before you can go out and guide others, you first need to realize that the temptation to put your importance above others will be unavoidable. By putting yourself equal with everyone else, you will be able to make a lasting positive impression on others. Humbling yourself will help you stay focused and more empathetic. And most importantly, this will help you be believable and your word will mean something
2.) Lend a helping hand - giving to others lets those around you see your heart and intention to bless. This tells the people you are helping that they matter and will motivate them to do the same
3.) Lead with integrity - don't let yourself be sucked into potentially harmful behaviors. Try your best to stand on what you believe in and to listen closely to others. Conduct yourself with honesty and let your life encourage great morals and values. Allow yourself to apologize and make right what you did wrong. We all make mistakes, and it's highly honorable for someone to admit it and move on
4.) See the glass half full - Accept and appreciate all the good things in your life. Be grateful. Let less than enjoyable times make you a stronger, more insightful, compassionate person.
5.) Step up - Instead of waiting for someone else to do something important, try to be one of the first to step out of the crowd. Just like how by asking a question, you might be the only one wanting the answer, try setting a good example by leading others to do the right thing. Do not condemn, but encourage.