🎥Scared of Streaming: A Letter to Future Me. Getting Over Feeling “Too Old & Scared” to Hit That Go Live Button

Will I ever get over that feeling?

Hey you. Yeah, you.

If you’re reading this, then you’re probably doing that thing again. Where you are scared of streaming. Staring at OBS. Changing the setup. Making sure the dog crate is out of sight. Checking that your new purple horns are centered perfectly on the headset. Overthinking every wrinkle. Debating if people will roast your Jersey accent or get your Gen X jokes.

You know the ones. Back when we were younger...

You’re not 22. You don’t have a $40 ring light (you want that trending one on TikTok… we’re just waiting for it to go on sale, ha).And your idea of “thirst content” is chugging cawfee after a loud gulag match.

You're a Gen X woman who grew up on landlines and cassette tapes. And yet… here you are. Thinking about streaming. Wondering if you’re too old. Or if your vibe is just too much.

So here’s the reminder you need:

You’re not too old.

You’re just scared. And that’s okay.

You're scared of being seen. Like actually seen. Crow’s feet. Eye bags. All that sun damage from baby oil beach days and no SPF. That Gen X sarcasm that sometimes confuses Gen Z. That voice that sounds like you just yelled at someone in ShopRite over taking your shopping cart.

It’s not the fear of streaming. It’s the fear of being judged, for doing it while looking and sounding like… well, you.

But guess what?

That’s exactly why you should do it.

And yet, here you are. Still stalling. Four cups deep of16-ounce cawfee cups. Letting fear do "The Cabbage Patch" across your brain.

So here’s what you need to remember when fear shows up and starts talking:

No One Cares As Much As You Think They Do

Seriously. Most people are focused on your gameplay, your energy, your vibe not your laugh lines or the fact that you’re in a hoodie that’s seen more dog hair than daylight.

You see “old.” They see “real.” And real? Real is rare. Real is refreshing.

Embrace the Vibe. Even If It’s Full Jersey

Yes, you sound like you yell in parking lots. Yes, you say “cawfee.” Yes, you absolutely talk smack mid match in comms and chat like a 6 foot man.

That’s your flavor. That’s who you are. It’s not for everyone and that’s exactly the point.

Start Small. Like, "One Viewer and It’s Probably Riley" Small

You don’t need a production team. You don’t need a big moment. You just need to hit Go Live.

Even if it’s just you, your dog, and that one random lurker you don’t even notice because you’re too locked in to see they’re typing to you.(Shout out to my silent supporters. You’re the real MVPs.)

You’ll mess up. You’ll feel weird. You’ll judge yourself.

And then?

You’ll realize the sky didn’t fall.

You survived.

And maybe? You’ll even have fun.

Fear Is Valid. But So Is Your Voice

You’ve got stories. Sarcasm. Chaos. Loyalty.

Stuff no 20-year-old Twitch bro can replicate.

You’ve raised kids. Handled life. Fought battles!

This is just a webcam. And a couple buttons.

So stop letting fear tell you that you don’t belong. Because you do. Even if chat can’t always keep up with your jokes.

Final Thought (Before You Pour Another Cup of Cawfee)

You’re not the only one who feels too awkward, too raw, too “what if they don’t get me?” But that little voice that says “you should stream anyway”?

That’s the one to listen to.

Every time you game.

Every time you make someone laugh.

Every time someone says, “I'm just like you!”

You create space for you. And for someone like you.

The one who games loud, proud, and unapologetically.

So if you’re reading this tomorrow, next week, or six months from now, remind yourself:

Put the headset on.

Grab your cawfee.

Hit the damn button.

Let them hear the accent.

Let them see the laugh lines.

Let them watch you win (or have a meltdown) like the person you are.

You’re not too old. You’re just getting started.

With love, Past You (who believed in you even when you didn’t yet)