I'm a YA Rebel!

Last week, I made the leap and auditioned for the YA Rebels, a group of YA authors vlogging about young adult literature. Two lessons I've learned in the last year – taking chances can pay off in a big way and life is too freaking short – made it possible. Because honestly I used to be a very shy person. As in awarded Most Shy by my classmates. As in diagnosed with social anxiety kind of shy. From my childhood through my 20s, I often felt like a wallflower, and I rarely spoke in class. Over and over again, though, I tried to force myself to do things that felt uncomfortable and out of character. Cheerleading, public speaking, parties with strangers. I did them all, even when I felt like I was dying inside.

Because something in me knew that I wanted more for myself than to be wallpaper.  I REFUSED to accept that I couldn't grow beyond that. Everyday I still feel that tendency to make myself small and unnoticed, but I don't think anyone who has met me in the last few years would call me shy. It's something I've worked at very hard, and today, I feel like I've crested another mountain.

Not only did I film myself being silly, but I actually showed it to people. And they liked it. And now I'm going to do it on a weekly basis, which is both exciting and terrifying and oh-so-rewarding. Is there something you're afraid to do? I challenge you to take a chance.

If the girl voted Most Shy can do this, I believe you're not giving yourself enough credit either. You might even find you like that thing that scares you so much. I did.

Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@yarebels) and YouTube (YA Rebels Channel).

Congrats to my fellow rebels, and thanks to Leah and Gretchen for this opportunity!

Monday – Gretchen McNeil

Tuesday – Me

Wednesday – Amber – Me, My Shelf, and I

Thursday – Leah Clifford

Friday – Alex Incognito

Saturday – Sarah Nicolas and Kayelee Fisk

Sunday –  Danny Marks

Hannah Moskowitz – Web Presence