Why It’s Absolutely Okay to Own Your Story
A couple of months ago, I was asked to speak to a room full of women. It was one of the scariest things I have ever done. What frightened me the most was that I was going to share my personal journey of healing to a room of strangers. Was I nuts???!
It would be the first time in 4 years that I was going to open up and share some of the last few years with women I never met before. It was scary to think that all these women I didn’t know would know so much about me in 1.5hrs. What would they think of what I would share? Would they relate? Would they think I’m weak? What if they didn’t get my story at all?
So the day came and right before I got up to talk, I closed my eyes and asked God to help me not be afraid. That he would use me to share some of my story with women who could be possibly feeling the same way. Alone, hurt, disappointed, and isolated.
The great irony in my story is that I have always thought of myself as a strong woman. My voice has always been my power. I never had an issue about speaking up and being vocal about the things that I felt passionate about. But once I had children, that changed. I felt muffled all the time. My voice silenced. Something I never experienced in my life. I lost the power in my voice all for the sake of being nice and liked.
That day when I shared my story in that room of women. My voice trembled and at one point even felt like I was going to pass out(so scared) but I pulled through. Shared my story. Shared my hurt. My disappointment and how it’s been incredibly difficult to navigate through it all with no family and close friends around me.
After I talked with the group, I felt STRONG, BRAVE and filled with FREEDOM. I didn’t care at all what others would think, I just prayed it would help one person in that room. Just ONE woman.
And it did! I can’t tell you how many private messages I got after that day. It was beautiful validation that women DO need to be more ok with being vulnerable and honest with one another. It’s as if we are each waiting for other women to bring it up so that we feel ok about bringing up our own struggles.
For anyone that is struggling with their story, know there will be a time for you to release it. It will be the most freeing thing you will ever do. It will be scary but will empower you in many ways.
Life is not an easy path. Hardships will come but what will you do with them: Let them eat you up or will you let them transform you for the better? Will you allow it to shape your future for the better? Help others?
YOUR story has the power to impact others. In ALL things come great purpose. Remember that.
Much Love Always,
