The anxiety and sadness I am feeling right now is overwhelming. I have to try and stay positive and hope for the best. I started my creator journey on YouTube in 2012. The platform chipped away at me slowly. For me I hit a peak and then pretty much fell off. When I really discovered TikTok and leaned into creating short form content in 2020 my entire outlook changed. Video creation went from taking 8-12 hours to sometimes only minutes. I was able to connect more quickly with a community that gets it. The environment here has always felt safer to me. Better for my mental health. Full of opportunity and growth and experiences I am so grateful for. I am not ready to lose TikTok. I learn so much from this app. I have found some of my favorite recipes that have helped me on my health and wellness journey. Tips from fitness influencers have helped me tremendously. I come here to find answers. I come here to unwind and escape reality. This app helps me connect with my friends, kids at work, my family. The silly trends and the sounds have become a light for a lot of us during really dark times. Already it is hard enough to feel respected or valued by people “IRL” with a job titled “Content Creator.” But that is what I am. I’m losing a massive part of my job if we lose TikTok. Losing one of my largest income sources. Losing a following of 46,000 people, an audience of even more (FYP) The only idea holding my head above water is that we all will collectively have to find a new place to go. If you guys figure it out before me - someone please loop me in. It took me too long to accept TikTok. I’m afraid of falling through the cracks and giving up - but I won’t. You can always find me on YouTube, Instagram & SnapChat. All of my social media accounts are @kendallalfred Thank you for giving me a chance on TikTok. Thank you for giving me a platform. Thank you for every opportunity you have allowed me. I love you guys.