Vulnerability – willingness to show emotion or to allow one’s weaknesses to be seen or known; willingness to risk being emotionally hurt

Let me tell you something: putting your life out there is not easy. If you do this for a living, I imagine it’s a completely different scenario. I’m not afraid of the camera! I have a YouTube channel, am active on social media, and interact with the media on occasion. A day-in-the-life vlog, on the other hand, is an entirely different challenge!

This video came together as a result of meticulous planning — as I’m sure I’ve stated before, I don’t do anything without a plan! Anyone who came to see me before this formal process began would have assumed that I was starting a new research project. On Microsoft To Do I methodically listed my tasks, and on TimeTree Calender I planned time for editing. After that, Petnanny, My Online Therapist and SAGE Pilates all gave their informed consent. Finding more content (videos, music and images) took the longest period of time in this whole process, but once it was done, the recording process could begin. Isn’t that how the research process works as well?

The steps leading up to the final data gathering can seem tedious at times, but without them, you won’t be able to complete your project. I had a lot of fun filming and editing the vlog. This was not surprising, because I enjoy data analysis as well. I was about 75% done when I melted my computer’s brain – or maybe the computer melted my brain, I’m not sure.  All of my carefully prepared adjustments were lost when the application crashed. While agitated, I remembered my supervisor’s statement that there will always be unplanned parts in a project’s final phase. Whilst participating in a free online Pilatus session I took a few deep breaths. I convinced myself that I now know exactly what I want to do, where I want things to go, what the timelines should be, and that the previous time was just a preparation. With that in mind, I continued the editing process and was blown away by how quickly it all went.

The vlog, like my research project, was completed and is now at the stage of waiting for feedback. While I’m waiting, I have the opportunity to consider the prospective feedback, which is where the vulnerability comes in. I agree with Brené Brown who claims that there are power in vulnerability. The term that comes to me is ‘bravery.’ It takes courage to put oneself out there and try something new, whether it’s a vlog, a project, or something else entirely different.

Let’s celebrate our bravery in the upcoming month!

_{“Who am I?” One of the most dreaded and difficult topics to respond to.}

Most people dislike answering this question for some mysterious reason. It's as if they're embarrassed to talk about themselves, or perhaps they have no idea who they are.

When I first started writing this blog, I was in a similar position. It didn’t take long for me to start performing a thematic analysis of other bloggers’ representations of themselves. Isn’t it ridiculous? Answering the question “who am I?” could not possibly be that difficult — we explore more complicated research questions every day! Perhaps that is the issue; maybe our minds have become so accustomed to thinking in a certain way that it is difficult to return to the basics?

Anyway, my given name is Lucé (loosh-ay), which means “light” or “light provider” (meaningofthename.com). When I was younger, I wasn’t always enthralled by the numerous mispronunciations – Lucy, Luce, Lusy, Lush, and even Luke. Only people with unusual names will be able to comprehend this. When I was in high school, I went through a phase where I simply stopped reacting to people who mispronounce my name. Fortunately, I grew out of that phase and regained my brightness. Nowadays, I will respond to almost anything!

I’d always wanted to be a member of the health sciences community, but I wasn’t sure where to start. In 2009, I started a BA Social Work degree at North-West University with the intention of using it as a stepping stone into another field. I instantly fell in love with the profession and knew it was a good fit. Following that came my Honours, Masters, and eventually my PhD. I’m now wrapping up my PhD on client violence, the protection of social workers and policy development.

I started working in the field after finishing my Honours Degree and obtained a lot of experience. I was fortunate enough to launch a private practice a few years ago, where I offer psychosocial and psycholegal counselling to children and families, as well as medical and psychiatric social work and EAP services. In addition, while completing my PhD, I lecture part-time and conduct training abroad and within South Africa. Although I am really proud of my work, there is so much more to me.

Team sports have never been my thing, but dancing has always been my happy place. I began ballet at the age of three and have never looked back. I experimented with various forms within the genre as I got older, such as freestyle and hip-hop, then artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, but I always reverted to ballet. Unfortunately, I don’t have as much time for it these days, but my ballet pointes are eagerly waiting for their turn. Meanwhile, I try to do Pilates once a week to remain mindful.

Music is also very significant in my life. I play the piano, guitar, and flute, and I feel that music can improve any situation. When people hear a variety of sounds coming from my residential area, they know it’s “one of those days.” I also absolutely love arts and crafts, which can include everything from painting to mosaic to decoupage to simply pouring glitter on something. It’s the realization that there’s beauty in imperfection, I believe, that makes it worthwhile.

Wow, I’ve revealed a bit about myself, what I do, and what I enjoy. Even so, who I am is not defined by what I do, achieve, or enjoy. I’m still stumped on how to respond to the original “who am I?” question, and I may need to revisit the thematic analysis idea.

_{Do you have any idea who you are and how to answer this question instead of describing what you do, achieve or enjoy?}

Perhaps we should bypass all the controversy and issue a single statement. Mine will be the following:

I am Lucé. Someone like you.

(with a lot of sparkle)