Opening Up

Anyone who knows me, including my husband Erik, knows that I have never been comfortable sharing details about my epilepsy.  I especially requested that family members of mine, including Erik, refrain from discussing those personal stories.  If I chose to share, that was my decision.  If someone else decided to share about me, I would not be a happy camper.  This has been the case for most of my life, until now.

The Interview

That is why this recent interview done about me and my family is such a huge step.  https://www.popsugar.com/family/mom-with-epilepsy-shares-what-parenting-is-like-47485715   It symbolized for me and for Erik, that I am ready for a third party to have a part in sharing my stories.  Erik even commented that he felt a new sense of freedom in being able to talk about what we had been through because of my seizures because of my willingness to share in this way.  Frankly, we were amazed that a story in this article happened less than a month ago and we had already come to a place where we could celebrate the joy we experienced during that time instead of the misfortune we had on that day.

Asking the Question

Why was I protecting my stories for so long?  I think part of this may be that I had already witnessed others who heard about my struggles, feeling sorry for me instead of celebrating my strengths that resulted from those struggles.  I didn’t want pity, I wanted to share champagne.

Are you hiding stories of the triumph you have had over life’s adventures because you don’t want other’s to feel sorry for you?  It is an interesting question to consider.  Even if this is true, you will never be able to raise your glass in overcoming if no one hears your story in the first place.

Your Next Step

I’m not suggesting every one of you must go out and post your life struggles all over the internet but I am suggesting that you share.  Still, be careful to share what you have learned in your adventures.  Also, make sure that whoever has been empowered as a third party to share your story presents you as someone to be celebrated and not someone to feel sorry for.

I promise, you will feel a new sense of freedom when you give permission to have your story told.  It will be a new season of celebration and honor that will move you even farther in your journey.