By: Tina Stroman
Who hears your story?
Just this past week, I attended a workshop centered around self care hosted by my dear friend Katy Nicholls. When we think of self care, we might think of pedicures, manicures, and retail therapy. I’m not saying those things don’t qualify as self care; however, the content in this particular session took a different turn. We discussed things such as self affirmation, mindfulness, and the power of connection. This was my biggest takeaway- the power of connection. Here’s what I learned from Katy. I feel like every woman I know deserves to hear this!
As human beings, we are wired to be connected to people. As a matter of fact, without these powerful connections with other people, we will not thrive. We will become sick. Everyone needs to be loved, and everyone needs to love. Furthermore, we need to have people in our lives who we lean on, who we trust, and with whom we share our stories. And we don’t share our stories with just anyone. As Brene Brown says it best, we should share our stories with those who have earned the right to hear our stories. Read that again. We should share our stories with those who have earned the right to hear our stories. Yep- that causes us to pause, right? Think about it. Who in your life has earned the right to hear your stories? Who are the people who you trust freely? Who are the ones in your life who you know will hold your stories in confidence and won’t share them without your permission to others? Who are the ones in your life who you are certain are there for you no matter the situation or time of day? I love this phrase “earned the right”. As I pondered this phrase, it was not hard for me to identify people in my life who have earned the right to hear my stories. These are the people in my life who I count on and go to no matter what. I walk away from these people always feeling 100% better!
Sadly, I also reflected on those who have violated the privilege of hearing my stories. You might have some of these experiences too. Maybe there is someone at one time who you considered as one who earned the right to hear your stories, but then he/she betrayed that right. That certainly doesn’t feel good, and quite frankly, things will never ever be the same. That right to hear your stories has disappeared. But you know what? Recognize it, name it, and move forward. You deserve only the best that people have to offer, so focus on and treasure those who HAVE earned the right to hear your stories and embrace them. Keep them close, Connect with them and love them fiercly. These are the people who you need in this very moment on your life journey. These are the people who will feed your soul and your spirit and who will make you better!
I challenge you to consider who are the people in your life who have earned the right to hear your stories? Who makes you a better person after a simple chat? Who values what you say and holds it in confidence? Who listens to you just for the sake of listening? Try to think of four people and write each name on one side of a piece of paper. Keep that paper close and be grateful for those who help us take care of ourselves! You deserve the BEST, ladies! Don’t ever settle for anything less! Here’s to US!