By: Camille Lamoreaux
Purpose
In recent years I began blogging about my experiences with pornography addiction and how my faith and changes in life patterns were able to help me overcome that problem. I called that blog, “Let’s Go to War,” in honor of the fight it has been, and the attitude I have needed to tackle my problems moving forward.
I set out on this project to create an Instagram page focused on those experiences with the intent to help other young adults with similar problems to face their guilt and shame in order to overcome addiction and loneliness. However, after beginning to work with a trusted mentor, those goals and plans shifted. I ended up getting to speak at a large event which was a deeply important and moving experience and doing more study and research which I will use to later launch content onto the Instagram page I created.
Project
Much of what I can show for my work would come in word or conversation. My mentor taught me much about how to build a brand from scratch. I read an insightful and helpful book. I spoke at an important event. I learned how to create good content. I learned about the Instagram algorithm and how to please that algorithm.
Challenges
The aforementioned event was titled, “12 Steps Closer,” and was centered around the Addiction Recovery Program created and sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was speaking with missionaries, a professor, and a man whose life can only be described as a miracle. I was intimidated.
I spent hours on my message and hours longer revising it. I didn’t feel worthy or qualified to be there. However, as I began to speak, the last ten years of my life passed as a series of moments in my mind. The lonely, discouraged days. Tear-filled nights. Internal fights. Meetings with church leaders. Drowning in shame. Flashes of hope.
Never in those years could I have seen myself at that microphone. Confident. Strong. Proud, even. Not proud of the struggle, but proud that I became something good in spite of it. This was easily the biggest challenge I dealt with in my project, but also one that I am immeasurably proud of.
Processes
I read the book entitled, Building a Story Brand by Donald Miller. This was a strong suggestion from my mentor that proved to be an invaluable asset. The book outlines how to reach your audience in a moving way that draws them to your brand without being forced or fake.
I have wrestled with how to handle this topic in ways that matter. I have struggled to know how to approach a difficult and vulnerable topic with a wide audience. This book took a lot of time to read, but helped to change my mindset in a way that helped me move forward.
Learning about graphic design and how to build a brand from scratch based on experience was something I was glad to learn from my mentor, but challenging for me to wrap my head around.
Overview
My project, initially focused on addressing pornography addiction through an Instagram page, evolved into a transformative journey. Collaborating with a mentor, I unexpectedly spoke at the impactful “12 Steps Closer” event. Overcoming self-doubt, I shared a powerful message, reflecting on a decade-long struggle and personal growth.
Guided by Donald Miller’s “Building a Story Brand,” I learned vital lessons in authentic audience engagement. Navigating graphic design and brand creation, I embraced these skills as crucial for effective communication. Despite challenges, the project became a testament to resilience and personal growth.
This multifaceted endeavor not only tackled a societal issue but also became a journey of self-discovery. The insights gained will shape future content for the Instagram page, ensuring meaningful outreach to those facing similar challenges.
Insights
Time is an excellent teacher. I have come farther in the last several years than I ever would have deemed possible. I am proud of those successes and it has given me great hope for the next several.
Building a brand should be done well. Initially setting out to mass produce content was more futile than I realized. I didn’t have the foundation that I needed for the page to be successful, but now I feel that I have the tools I need to build the page and build it well.
We all have wars. For years, mine was pornography. Others have health difficulties, substance abuse problems, family and friend dysfunction, trauma, and so much more. Choosing to face that difficulty by saying, “Let’s go to war!” opens up a world of optimism and faith that would otherwise not exist.
Facing my fears and challenges these last several weeks and always brings power and light into my life.