Our sparkle is strongest when we are sharing our whole, real, authentic selves. One of the most powerful ways we share our true selves is by telling our stories. When we voice our experience out loud or in writing, we are allowing an authentic glimpse of our sparkle. When we speak our truths and provide our perspective, we connect to one another in new, vulnerable ways.
If sharing our stories is such an important part of sparkling, why is it sometimes so difficult to do?
I will be the first to say that sometimes, sharing our STUFF can feel like getting naked and asking the world to judge every angle. I am no stranger to the feelings that come with sharing sensitive aspects of my life in a podcast, blog, or client session. There are times when my whole body, mind, and spirit experiences a hangover after getting real, raw, and vulnerable. The emotions, hormones, and chemicals that my body produces after sharing something intimate with the world takes time to metabolize and process. I can physically feel a reaction in my body after I am vulnerable.
In a world where we are expected to crop, filter, and show up with our best angle on display, it can feel like our rough edges should be hidden. I am actively aware that my instincts are to show my best side, tell the stories that are the most hopeful, and edit out the details of my life that still push my triggers. If I were to pretend that my life did not include the messy and emotional rollercoaster moments, where would my sparkle shine through? Would you actually see any sparkle?
When opening up about some “less than my best moments” in my past, I feel vulnerable, but I also feel real. When I press “publish” on blog posts sharing some of the parts of my life that historically filled me with shame I feel a rush of nerves, but I also feel authentic. When I mention my history with binge eating, psychiatric medications, and a suicide attempt, I feel my ego wanting me to hide those truths. Yet, the real me knows that those struggles are where I developed wisdom, strength, and the absolute brightest sparkle.
When we own our experiences and share the lessons that we have learned, we expand the power we have over our lives. Hiding our stories gives more power to the negative feelings attached to them. Owning our experiences and sharing our truths brings that power back to us.
When we share our stories, we share our true selves. When we share our true selves, we show our most beautiful sparkle. I challenge you to share more of your beautiful sparkle and stories this week. You just might find freedom and power in your truths.
