The more you tell the truth about what you’ve gone through and are still going through, the easier it is to trust yourself. I think that’s because sharing is daring to discover who we can be beyond any one story. Bearing your heart and soul: that’s one of the bravest ways to heal and grow.

Sharing what hurts reminds me of something my dad once said to me: “We rebuild, together.”

Here are some other things sharing could mean for you...

Sharing is daring.

Sharing is daring. It says we have a gift to share, so don’t downplay that message.

When it comes to healing from tragedy and trauma of all depths, sharing yourself is part of the journey. You’re not just moving forward by letting your truths be seen and your stories be heard, but you’re also moving inward.

Sharing is an act of great courage when it requires vulnerability. It’s not easy to send your story out into the world.

The ones baring their souls are the ones who are learning how to find safety in their vulnerability. That’s how we find refuge in each other.

Sharing is rebuilding, together.

Together, we rise and thrive. Belonging is wired into our beings. Relationships fueled by trust and truth-telling — those are the ones that carry us forward, and inward. We need this connection. Oh, do we need this.

“Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. Your words could become a page in someone else's survival guide.” – Morgan Harper Nichols

You don't need to have gone through the most terrible things to share the story of what you love, believe in, fear, hope for — who you are. Sharing openly gives you the courage to dig deeper into every little thing that makes you who you are — there's always, always something extraordinary there.

Sharing isn’t just about expressing, then: it’s self-discovery.

Sharing is daring to discover oneself, openly.

What makes you unique finds common ground in others that you’ll only find if you’re brave enough to share yourself. Discovering yourself is bound to lead you to the discovery of what unites us all.

Our struggles could come bearing gifts for someone else. Our agony and our hope together will fuel the restoration of many souls. We’ll see just how much light we can bring and be a mirror for.

All of this is to say to you: don’t hide what might heal. Your story makes the world more well-rounded, more real.

The way you express some aspect of your journey — whether it’s through a poem, art, conversation, act of kindness — could be exactly what someone needs to see or hear or read or feel. It doesn’t even matter if it’s been shared by someone else before: if it’s never been shared by you, it’s a new tale to be told.

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” — Maya Angelou

Sharing is letting go of every “should” and opening up to all the ways you can be seen, shame taking a backseat. From there, you have a chance at real freedom. Wonder replaces isolation. Vulnerability becomes your safety net. You get to live.

. . .

Tell me:

Which of these thoughts did you need to read today?

Tell me in the comments. I read every single one, and I'd love to know!

Only ever love,

Jen

P.S. Get the imperfect word art print that's all about rebuilding, together. Recovery. Discovery. Living and loving and giving and receiving... better. You'll feel better every time you see it.