I'm changing my channel... (an honest chat about mental health and authenticity)
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- čas přidán 25. 07. 2024
- I know I've been gone for a few months, so I wanted to give you an update as to why I've been away, chat about mental health and the things that have blocked me from working on CZcams lately, and my plans moving forward.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2023 has been a year... 00:00
Being a multipotentialite 02:36
My upbringing/parents 06:08
My school experience 08:56
On authenticity & my channel 11:39
New channel name 13:30
Finances & starting a Patreon? 15:17
Thank yous & 5K subscribers! 19:42
P. S. This summer in the UK... 21:23
THINGS MENTIONED
Why Some of Us Don’t Have One True Calling | Emilie Wapnick
• Why Some of Us Don’t H...
Stop searching for your passion | Terri Trespicio
• Stop searching for you...
2 essential issues of multipotentialites towards success | Tara Yahyanejad
• 2 essential issues of ...
CREDITS
Music by Daniel Hines
www.danielhines.co.uk
CONTACT JESS
Follow me on instagram if you’d like: @squirrellynerdyjess
Want to get in touch?: jess.trainedsquirrels@gmail.com
SUPPORT JESS
If you like my content and would like to support me with a small tip, please use this link (1% of all donations are being donated to help the environment): ko-fi.com/squirrellynerdyjess
THIS MOMENT...
I am currently reading:
- The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis
Number of subscribers when this video was published: 5,225
#mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #booktube - Jak na to + styl
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported this video, and to those who have offered to contribute to a Patreon account should I create one! In the meantime, I have upon suggestion created a KO-FI account, so if you would like to leave a one-off tip, use my link (also 1% of all donations are being donated to help the environment): ko-fi.com/squirrellynerdyjess
Subtitles are now up!
Also disclaimer: I'm sorry for the poor audio quality! My microphone didn't work the greatest when I filmed, and I didn't particularly care to re-film it.
I'm 60 and you have just given this old man some validation for how I have literally lived my entire life.
Hey Jess, thank you for being so honest in your videos! It's such a breath of fresh air. I wish you nothing but success, and hope that your lovely husband is on the road to recovery! Take care both of you ☺
Thank you for being so vulnerable. You will reach so many people by sharing your thoughts and feelings. I would be happy to join your Patreon. I loved seeing a shot of your American visitors.
Thank you so much! Until such a time as I create a Patreon, I have just upon suggestion created a KO-FI account should you wish to leave a one-off tip. Also 1% of all tips gets donated to help the environment. Here’s my link: ko-fi.com/squirrellynerdyjess
(But no expectations. No pressure!)
I love your channel and i know everything about mental health problem you are not alone. I am happy your husband is better now
Jess, I am a 69 y.o. multipotentiate. While I am a dental specialist, and in many ways defines me, it doesn’t limit me at all. Like you, I spent a couple of years learning another language (for me German). But I also have taken deep dives into music. I’ve been a singer since a child, but at 58 decided to take up the violin, and got hot and heavy into it for a while (I stopped taking lessons and then stopped playing during the pandemic and haven’t gone back to it yet). I delved into Calligraphy and got very good at it in another period of my life. The dentistry has been good because it has funded my interests, especially woodworking, which has been a lifelong hobby. My take on being a multipotentiate is that it’s a blessing, that has made my life interesting. That I don’t rock and ice climb or go sailing anymore is fine. I love those activities, and I can leave them as a lovely memory. I am, like you, an “authentic” multipotentiate!
I am for sure a multipotentialite who has struggled trying to figure out my calling. Still working on that and usually in the middle of several projects. Which may also explain why I read all over the place nor choose just one favorite author or book. I'm honestly in awe of those who know their true calling. Since my early 20's when I started in retail, I thought that was where I had to stay but recently have realized that I don't have to stay in that field and am trying to figure out what could be next. I briefly thought I would be a photographer and realized that while I enjoy taking pictures, being rushed to edit for special events was stressful for me though I haven't completely ruled out that possibility. I've also been contemplating learning a musical instrument or two. I am easily distracted by all of the potentials. I'd love to see whichever content you would like to post and thank you for sharing your thoughts. I would be interested in joining your Patreon. Multipotentialites Unite!
Thank you for sharing. We all have moments where everything seems to go bonkers to one extent or for one reason or another. Wishing you and your hubby all the best!
I stumbled across your channel when I was looking up book-repair ideas. I think I understand how you feel. My "specialty," if I have one, is copyediting. I'm good at it, but aside from paying the bills, it has very little effect on who I am.
I have lots of interests, and I'll go down a rabbit hole and get intensely interested in a subject, only to get burned out and move on to something else. I've always been this way, and it can feel very alienating in a world not only of specialists but also of people who have a shallow interest in very few things or who unreflectively follow the crowd.
One thing that's helped me is to study Jungian personality types (INTP here) and to understand that it's OK to be who I am, with one eye ever toward self-improvement to the greatest extent possible.
Best wishes on your life journey.
I just came across you CZcams channel and liked it very much! I watched several of your book repair videos and may be able to use that information since I do like to buy inexpensive used books at my local library. Your intelligence, kindness, and sparkling sense of humor always shine through. You can’t help connecting with your viewers if you express your authentic self regardless of the subject of the day. Best wishes !🍀🍁✨
Dear Jess, I stumbled over your channel a few days ago and I simply love it (I did that shoe polish thing to some of my old books and yes, they look very much better! Thank you so much! 📚) That being said, I'm a generalist, too, and I would very much like to see more CZcamsrs doing videos about different themes. So I'm looking forward to anything not book-related as well. 🙂 - Last, I wanted to say my husband has got mental issues too and never has been able to earn his own money. So I ended up in a career that I don't like much (I'm also not very good at it) but that provides an income sufficient for two people. And that's OK. I' ve got many hobbies that change continuously, so I'm not bored. And I do believe there are many things which are much more important than finding your calling. Thank you very much for your encouraging words and for your excellent channel! 🎃
when i was very much younger, i was blessed to have someone in my life that told me 'you are a renaissance person' someone who is interested in a lot of different things in life.... and i am now telling you that. also.. most people have more than one interest, i think that makes a person well rounded, and interesting. plus, folks need to change as their lives change 'reinvent yourself' it's normal, natural and a sign of growth as a person.
Yes Renaissance "man" is exactly what I thought of 😊
I noticed you stopped posting awhile ago, so I unsubscribed Squirrel's bookshelf. But will rejoin now. Good for you!!! So happy you are being honest with yourself, always a wise decision. I really enjoy your content whether its books (my fav!), decor ❤, or just life. I look forward to see where you go from here. P.S. thanks so much for your book suggestions and repair advice! ❤ Best Wishes for your journey to the rest of your life. 🥰
That's very kind of you. 2023 was a tough year, but the new year is already looking brighter, and I've got over a dozen videos lined up all prepped and ready to film, so fingers crossed I'll be able to upload much more (mostly book related) soon!
Thanks for sharing your story
Oh my goodness. That's so generous! Thank you so much!
Smile and keep your spirits up! Thanks!
Thank you so much for your kindness!
Yes please show your Halloween time!
Looking forward to whatever is coming, bookish or otherwise themed videos! Am not able to support on patreon right now, but if you have a patreon in the future when I have more financial stability I would defininitly be interested in supporting!
Also - a big yes to videos about your halloween party! I don't celebrate it myself, but love watching videos about themed parties of any kind!
Thank you!
I definitely can relate with that! It's so hard to navigate a lot of passions/hobbies/interests and not knowing where to find the time to even do them! It puts a lot of mental toll on your brain so it's absolutely beautiful that you've chosen to commit to this!
I hope you find a place where your mental health feels better about this channel and your passions, you deserve to commit to them all!
I also hope your husband will feel better about everything soon!
I would try ad support your Patreon, I think you always have fascinating ideas that I would love to follow closely!
Thank you so much for the support, regardless of whether you were to contribute to Patreon. My husband is doing much, much better now actually. I suppose I should have said so!
Until such a time as I create a Patreon, I have just upon suggestion created a KO-FI account should you wish to leave a one-off tip. Also 1% of all tips gets donated to help the environment. Here’s my link: ko-fi.com/squirrellynerdyjess
(But no expectations. No pressure!)
Oh. I err... also was part of many groups, but never really 'part' of 'a' group... and all the hobbies. Yeah. Ok, it's good to know it's a thing.
I look forward to whatever comes next, I hope things pick up for you too. It's... the UK is... yeah.
Take care!
Jo
I would support your Patreon account, Jess. I have always enjoyed your channel, and I empathize with your mental health struggles which have been a huge issue in my family for several years now. Be your own good, unique self, and I believe you will succeed! Thanks for sharing!
That’s so very kind of you. Thank you!
Until such a time as I create a Patreon, I have just upon suggestion created a KO-FI account should you wish to leave a one-off tip. Also 1% of all tips gets donated to help the environment. Here’s my link: ko-fi.com/squirrellynerdyjess
(But no expectations. No pressure!)
As the angels sang when I found your channel, they are singing again as I listen to you talk about being a multipotentialite. You are most assuredly not alone.
I've often said that I am very good at starting projects, that I tend to binge each of my hobbies one at a time before moving on to the next, and that I have too many interests preventing me from truly excelling at any one of them. Right now I have five YT channels, five Blogger blogs, two Instagram accounts, a few Pinterest boards, and four websites all to talk about different interests, and then I'm a member of four or five other in-person organizations as well. Then I keep thinking of so many more projects that would be fun to work on that are not directly related to what I'm already doing, to the point where I'm basically writing environmental impact statements in my mind to address all of the issues that could come up if I pursue them. So yeah, I get it most sincerely and will be happy to see whatever nerdy bits you share with us (as it seems likely that I would be interested in all of them too).
That's absolutely it! "Binging on each of my hobbies" is the perfect description. My husband is the same, so it's at least nice to have a partner who can sympathise as well. Thank you for watching and supporting, and best of luck with whichever hobby on which you're currently binging!
Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge about this topic. I myself feel exactly the same way, I always have. You know, liking multiple disciplines and subjects and crafts, but never finding a specific one worth dedicating my entire life to.
Even socially I have that "problem". I realized that I have always been some sort of embassador, the link between completely different groups of people, being able to socialize with and understand anyone, but never finding that deep connection with a smaller group that so many people seem to have.
It's a mess, but also beautiful at the same time because you are not precluding yourself from anything, there's so much out there to learn and try, why limit yourself to just one thing?
I'm definetely going to watch those videos about that "multi...thing", whatever it's called haha. I think Adam Savage once published one about a similar topic, but specific to making (I think it was about his lifelong "condition" of trying to learn much about every craft, but not everything about a specific one). I need to find that one too.
Thanks, Jess. Cheers!
P.S.: by the way, I'm italian, writing from Italy right now. It's so cool that you studied italian! It's not something you hear everyday. Ciao!
Ciao! (Di dove sei? Ho studiato a Viterbo!)
I'll have to check out the Adam Savage video. He gave me one of my many life mottos back in the early Mythbusters days: "I reject your reality and substitute my own!"
Thank you!
@@SquirrellyNerdyJess io sono di Como! Sono stato molte volte a Viterbo, mio padre ha fatto il militare lì quando era giovane e ogni tanto ci andiamo. Bellissima città, soprattutto per l'affascinante cultura etrusca
Love the new name. Clicked on a search result for how to fix a book spine purely cos I like the name 😅
Aww thank you!
Belated welcome to the UK, hope you like it. I have found it best to follow my interests - these tend to diverge and go off at tangents which keeps life and learning interesting I think. We talk admiringly of polymath and erudition so isn't it just a case of reframing?
Thank you! I do love it here and have no desire to leave.
I like your thinking on this. My main point (which may not have been well-articulated) is not that having many interests and skills is not valued in general, but that it’s not valued in jobs/careers. At least, it feels that way then you’re trying to apply for jobs and struggling to convey on your CV why your seemingly random compilation of skills and experience makes you a good candidate when often it’s far simpler for those recruiting to look for “has X number of years’ experience in ______.”
I don't have to imagine how frustrating that is, I've been there! In my humble opinion it has much to do with a weak economy resulting in risk averse employers. A great shame because many people are unfulfilled. All is fair in love and war as the saying goes. People's estimation of their abilities can vary widely, there are those who think more of themselves than is actually warranted. There are also those who are a little too modest, where I suspect you sit? You are clearly very talented. Perhaps a 'stepping stone' approach might help? Something which whilst not quite right, can lead to something else etc. Best wishes
Splendid content, Jess. Let your freak flag fly. ("Multipotentialite" is an ungainly term, however: consider "polymath", "polyhistor", "dilettante".) You sound a lot like me, by which I partly mean, well...have you looked into ADHD at all? (That's how my own non-neurotypicality is pigeonholed.) Also, please don't think of your invaluable book videos as at all "inauthentic". A library is a tool that allows one's mind to turn more easily in many directions. It enables the very fulfillment of one's authenticity.
I would support you on Patreon with a (and I’m sorry) caveat that the Patreon content will be book related (in contrast to YT for instance).
I appreciate your kindness and honesty. I’m still not sure if I can make Patreon viable and worthwhile for my viewers, but I have some other ideas as well. 🙂
😟
Another name used for multipotentialites is "generalists". David Epstein wrote about society's need for generalists in his book "Range".
Ooh, I’ll have to check that out! Thank you.
@@SquirrellyNerdyJess you're welcome
Ah! This explains why your booky videos seem to be as much about displaying things and interior design as they do about books. Some old Englishman in his eighties said 'I am still not sure what I want to be when I grow up'. Surely the generalist response to life is much more natural and organic? If you think backwards in evolution and anthropology, everyone would have had to be a generalist, possessing many different skills and, what is more important, had to be able to pick up new skills and knowledge when life's demands made that necessary. You can find your way to authenticity with the help of books, by the way. I wish your husband a constructive recovery. (Is he an academic, by any chance? Authenticity often seems to be a problem for academics and teachers, as those jobs demand a huge sacrifice of one's authenticity.) I love teaching and have often been told that I am a good teacher but feel that I saved my life by resisting the temptation to become a teacher, an automatic last resort for an arts graduate and someone who at the age of twenty-something has very little to offer the real world. Bon voyage to both of you.
Gently, being a true specialist, having only one very narrow defined interest is a pretty strong indicator of being neurodivergent. MOST people are generalists. Most CZcamsrs are probably sticking to a narrow topic for marketing purposes. But over time most people widen their channels.
That's a good point, especially about marketing. However, I do think there's a difference between people who have a lasting focus - who of course have other interests but still have a drive toward one particular career or at least field - and those, like me, who like to jump between interests, whose 'what do you want to be' answers are a long list rather than a simple response. I think that's what I'm referencing. Again, looking at my mother versus my father.
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