Tag Archives: community

Tall poppy syndrome can get stuffed.

Posted in Life by

The only reason I started a blog years ago was because I had to post journal entries online for a uni subject. I wrote very occasionally but really enjoyed it. This year, with a bit more time on my hands, I challenged myself to write more intentionally and more often. I upgraded to a new platform, got a new address and decided to share my site across my social media platforms with the help of a title picture with ‘jessicabigg.com’ included.

When I published ‘Life after 30‘ recently, I wondered if the way I’d included my website looked a bit naff and I feared I had just placed myself in the dreaded ‘tall poppy’ firing line…

So, to respond to the silent critics (both in my head, and in real life, probably) I’d like to answer a few questions and tell ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’ (and those those who subscribe to it) to get STUFFED.

Q. What is tall poppy syndrome anyway?

It’s a social phenomenon where people who grow, succeed or stand out, are resented and criticised by others. (Yes, even by their peers.) It’s the assumption that you can’t be successful without being arrogant too, but it’s not the success that’s the problem; it’s the assumed superiority of the individual we don’t like.

It’s a huge part of Australian culture and something even I fall victim to, without even knowing. (Culture can be sneaky like that, but more on that in another post I wanna write soon.)

Q. Why start my own website?IMG_4487

Firstly, it’s just a blog all I did was pay the $18/year to drop the clunky ‘wordpress’ bit from the address. I couldn’t think of a creative alternative so I just kept it my name. Simple.

Secondly, I actually wrestled with potential arrogance of owning ‘jessicabigg.com’. I asked around, sought advice, wondered if it would be super obnoxious… The advice I got was:

1. If I didn’t secure jessicabigg.com someone else could’ve.
2. It wasn’t expensive.
3. Does it REALLY matter? Nope.

My purpose for writing hasn’t changed over the years. I still only write for the fun of it and hope that one person might read it, enjoy it, be encouraged by it, whatever they need in that moment.

Q. Why the title pictures? Why the social media promotion?

It’s not promotion, it’s accessibility. I did wonder if it looked a bit ‘tall poppy’, but those who know me know that’s not what I’m about. Of course I write because I hope someone might read it, but no, I don’t care how many likes or shares I get. I do keep an eye on my site statistics but only because I’m a bit of a geek that way and I’m so curious what topics people engage with.

I write because I have something to say,  but I think we ALL have something to say. My awesome friend Bek recently started her own blog and she’s writing some great stuff! Go Bek!

Q. Why can’t we all just succeed? 

Why is the default to find fault in others? I’d rather assume that everyone is awesome, and see everyone succeed at the things they love, whether it’s writing a blog, running a social media account, being CEO or a full time mum.

Here’s a thought: Maybe instead of cutting down the tall poppy’s, we should hang on to them so we can ALL grow. Together.

IMG_4616

The power of vulnerability to build community.

Posted in AccessTheStory, Life, SocMed by

I use social media a lot. I’m on Facebook, Instagram and twitter, the first two I use constantly, I mean, regularly. 😉 I also manage The Simple Life and contribute to AccessTheStory. (So many hyperlinks…)

With all of that ^^ in mind, I have a pretty strict and complicated personal social media policy. Every post gets filtered through a ton of internal screening questions, one of which prevents me some sharing anything too personal, negative or controversial.

This year I’ve been experimenting with stepping outside my normal boundaries, being a tad vulnerable and writing more open and honest posts. *cue dramatic music here*

vulnerability equals community

1) A couple months ago I shared this post, my first risk, describing a journey of burnout and recovery, at a level a lot more open and vulnerable than normal. #lifesuckssometimes

2) I followed it up with this post, sharing my progress after some time away in a really helpful and healing environment. #thereishope

3) Then recently, I shared this post about my burnout recovery. #itdoesgetbetter

It blew me away that after each post was published, it sparked a particular response from people. Messages of encouragement, people sharing their own stories, admiration for my courage in being honest… I heard from all kinds of people – some from my past, some I hadn’t heard from in ages, as well as close friends.

It occurred to me that by choosing to be vulnerable, I had created a space for others to step out, share their story with me, offer encouragement, even words of affirmation that truly meant so much to me.

Call me crazy, but that sounds like community, no? People sharing their stories, even if only momentarily, encouraging each other, expressing care, gratitude and support for each other.

So it got me thinking…

What if we all stopped posting our perfect lives, dialled back the filter a bit, relaxed our social media policy and allowed some raw honesty, some vulnerability back into our broader communication?

What the worst that could happen? People might know your life isn’t perfect and that you struggle sometimes too. Big deal.

What’s the best that could happen? You might just inspire people to step out and be honest with themselves and others, ask for help, find support and healing in a troubled time. You might give someone an opportunity to offer you some support and encouragement. You might just build community in your world.

Doesn’t sound so bad to me. The only cost? Your vulnerability.

JB xo

A new church experience.

Posted in God by

[Originally published 2nd June 2012]

Imagine a church experience shaped around a community with needs. A community that would see more rejection than acceptance. A community that doesn’t know the truth about Jesus and wouldn’t know the first thing about modern day Christian culture.

Sounds challenging, right?

Now imagine a facility that’s open in the heart of Adelaide’s city, that aims to reach out to the least of these with food, company, rest, and clothing.

Tonight, for the first time, my friends at CitySalvos launched a new church service – simple in design, but large in scope. New in modern day missional terms, but old school in biblcal heart.

Two of the three people in the front row during tonight’s service were first timers to any experience resembling church as I know it. One came up to me at the end and wasn’t even sure if he’d used the word ‘sermon’ correctly. The other one was so chuffed with himself after I thanked him for sitting up the front. (I explained that as a worship leader you always feel better when people sit closer.)

Imagine if ‘mission’ wasn’t something we did just outside of the church building, but was a central part of what happens inside the church gathering!

Tonight I saw glimpses of what it looks like to turn your actions into words. To start with an act of service, then invite someone into a conversation.

Still sound challenging?

Perhaps.

But I know a group of people who instead of seeing the challenge, only see the opportunity.

And when God places an opportunity like this in front of you, who are we to say no?

Just saying.

xo