From my earliest days until now, as I approach the final phase of my deep and profound transformation, I’ve come to admit something that has been difficult for me to acknowledge: I will probably never be someone who excels at vocal communication or socializing. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had trouble expressing my thoughts and feelings out loud. I often know exactly what I need to say in my head, but when it comes time to share it with my friends and family, the words never seem to come out as clearly as I wish. I’ve always found it challenging to voice my innermost thoughts, and this has been a source of frustration and self-doubt for much of my life.

But now, as I near the end of my long journey of reconnecting with my heart, soul, and higher self, I’ve finally found a way to express myself. Writing has become my outlet, my refuge. I’ve found the courage and inspiration to share my stories and reflections here, on this blog, where I can speak from my soul without the pressure of verbal communication. Through writing, I’ve discovered a new voice—one that I can finally be proud of. It’s been a deeply transformative experience to open up in this way, and it has allowed me to embrace my vulnerability.

The Struggle with Social Media: Feeling Out of Place in a Digital World

In this modern world, where social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok dominate much of our interactions, I often feel like an outsider. People are constantly posting photos, sharing their thoughts and feelings, and curating their lives for everyone to see. For many, these platforms are a place to gain validation, recognition, and even self-worth. But for me, social media has never felt like a “friend.” I’ve always felt vulnerable about sharing my life, my feelings, and even my appearance online. I’ve never had the confidence to share my photos, and the thought of exposing myself in such a public way felt foreign to me.

If it weren’t for the need to stay connected with friends and family, I would probably never use these platforms. Even my mother is more socially active than I am, and it often serves as a reminder of how different I am from the world around me. In this society, where people are judged based on their social media profiles—on their photos, their trips, even their meals—I often feel like I don’t belong. People are celebrated for how many likes or comments they get, how many followers they have, and what material possessions they display. It’s a world that can be overwhelming and, at times, feel shallow.

I used to think that all of this was meaningless. The obsession with seeking validation from others, whether through likes or external recognition, felt hollow to me. I believed that true connections should be based on understanding each other in person, not through a digital screen. Social media, I thought, only revealed the surface of a person’s life, never the deeper layers that truly define who they are. You can’t judge a book by its cover, I used to say, but in today’s world, it seems that everyone is doing just that.

Understanding the Need for Validation: A Personal Struggle

As I reflect on my aversion to social media, I realize that it wasn’t just about the superficiality of it all. My resistance also came from my own vulnerability and my feelings of not being enough. Whether it was my physical appearance, my introverted nature, or the deep-seated belief that my personal worth was validated by others, I struggled with the thought of exposing myself to the world. I feared judgment, rejection, and the feeling that I wasn’t “good enough” in the eyes of others.

This lack of self-acceptance has been a significant part of my transformation process. I’ve spent much of my life questioning my value, seeking external validation in ways that only left me feeling emptier. Now, in this deep phase of introspection, I’m learning to redefine my worth. I’ve started asking myself the difficult questions: “Who am I in this world? What is my purpose in this universe? What is the essence of my being, and how do I step into my true power?”

These questions are part of the journey I’m on—one of rediscovery, of reconnecting with the parts of myself that I once kept hidden. And it’s through this process that I’ve come to understand that validation doesn’t come from likes, comments, or external praise. It comes from within, from embracing who I am without the need for approval from others.

Coming Out of My Shell: A New Beginning

It’s only now, as I continue this journey, that I’m beginning to feel comfortable enough to share more of myself. I’ve started to post pictures, to share my thoughts and reflections more openly. Slowly, I am coming out of my shell. I’m embracing vulnerability in a way that feels empowering, not just for others, but for myself. It’s a big step, and it’s one that I don’t take lightly. But it’s also a necessary one in my path of transformation. I may never be someone who thrives on social media or lives for validation through likes and followers, but I am learning to use it as a tool to express myself authentically and to connect with others in a meaningful way.

Even though I still don’t crave attention or recognition on these platforms, I’ve come to realize that social media, when used consciously, can be a place to share our stories, our vulnerabilities, and our truths. It’s not about seeking validation; it’s about showing up as our authentic selves, free from the pressures of perfection. And as I continue to explore my own journey, I’m beginning to trust that I can do this in my own way—on my own terms.

A Journey of Self-Discovery and Self-Acceptance

This journey has been about more than just overcoming my fears of vulnerability and social media. It’s been about learning to trust myself, to value who I am beyond the superficial judgments of the world. I’m learning to embrace my introverted nature, my quiet voice, and my deep compassion for the world around me. I’m learning that I don’t need to fit into any mold to be worthy of love or acceptance. I am enough, just as I am.

Thank you for being part of my journey, for reading my story, and for walking with me as I navigate this path of self-discovery. If you, too, have ever struggled with feelings of inadequacy or vulnerability, know that you are not alone. Our worth comes from within, and as we embrace our true selves, we can create deeper connections with others and with the world around us.

With love,

Seraphine Duong

“For so long, I struggled with expressing myself, carrying the belief that my voice was somehow inadequate. Writing became my sanctuary, a space where I could finally speak without fear or hesitation. Through embracing vulnerability and stepping gently out of my shell, I’ve discovered that true connection doesn’t come from external validation—it comes from authentically sharing our inner world. This journey has shown me the quiet strength in vulnerability and reminded me that my worth is defined not by likes or followers, but by my own courageous willingness to simply be myself.”