I AM Vida

What if I blank out? What if I mess up? What if I can’t shake off this feeling of anxiety? 

These thoughts ran through my mind before my first LinkedIn podcast recording. Anxiety had me triggered, and the familiar feeling of fight-or-flight kicked in.

I am passionate about therapy, healing, coaching, and teaching—but stepping into something new, especially publicly, can still be daunting. This podcast invite had been pending for a while. I even self-sabotaged before by creating “emergencies” that kept me from the initial recording date. I know I have the tools and knowledge to help others, but that doesn’t mean I’ve mastered everything myself. The difference now is I have full awareness when my inner child is activated.

I see her, I feel her discomfort, and I choose to love, accept, and integrate all parts of me—even when it’s hard. 

Walking into the studio, my nervous system was on high alert. I wanted to run. The seating arrangement felt confrontational, and the chair was small and unsupportive—a reminder of a past discomfort. Even the water served in plastic instead of a glass felt unsettling. 

 I could hear my adult self reprimanding: “Vida, Vida dear, please cooperate.” But instead of pushing through the discomfort alone, I softened. I let the child within me feel seen and heard. The support in the room slowly eased the feeling of anxiety, and I began to open myself up to receiving love and encouragement. 

Sometimes, both the inner child and the adult self need to lean on others for support. This is why therapists, healers, and coaches exist—to remind us we are never alone, we are seen, we matter, and we are always supported. And guess what? The recording went beautifully. Once the inner child felt safe, she couldn’t stop talking! She was excited to share, in awe of the experience, and fully immersed in the joy of the moment. 

New experiences can be daunting, and discomfort is part of growth. But in those moments, we can choose to release expectations, have fun, and simply be present. 

 I’m proud of my inner child for showing up and embracing the unknown. This first podcast recording as a guest was more than a professional milestone—it was a reminder of the power of love, acceptance, and self-awareness. 

You can tune in for more details about my first guest appearance at my LinkedIn account: Vida Tungul.

Love and compassion to all.🙏🏼