Good Morning Reader,
Have you ever shared something deeply personal before you were truly ready? It’s a feeling that many of us know all too well - a sensation Brené Brown calls a “vulnerability hangover.” That moment when you’ve opened your heart, hoping to find connection and comfort, only to feel exposed and uncertain afterward.
Last week, I had the opportunity to present at a grief conference. I shared a very high-level summary of my journey through loss with a room full of compassionate strangers. This time, however, I noticed a shift in myself. I was able to speak from a place of strength and healing. I was sharing from the scar, not the wound, and it felt both empowering and liberating.
Knowing when and with whom to share our most personal stories is crucial. When grief is fresh and raw, even well-meaning comments can feel like salt in a wound. It’s important to give yourself the grace to hold your story close until you’re ready. I believe you know when you're ready to share share when you feel stable enough that any response - whether supportive or insensitive—won’t shake you. Not easy!
Vulnerability is a beautiful thing, but it requires discernment. It’s not about closing yourself off but about being mindful of your readiness and the context in which you’re sharing. For those of us who lead with open hearts, learning to be discerning has been a valuable lesson. It’s essential to ask yourself: Am I sharing from a place of need of someone's specific reaction or response, or from a place of stability? This self-awareness can help you protect your heart while still allowing for genuine connection.
Reader, it’s more than just “okay” to protect your heart - it’s essential, especially when dealing with fresh grief. Early on, your emotions are tender and easily impacted by others’ reactions. Taking the time to heal before sharing allows you to offer your story from a place of empowerment rather than vulnerability. Remember, protecting your heart is an act of self-love and wisdom.
My hour-long workshop was a joy, truly to share. The topic was "Grief as Nature's Response to Loss, and I shared snippets of a blog post I created a short while ago: "The Cyclical Nature of Grief". You can check it out here, in case you missed it!
If you’d like to explore these thoughts further, I’ve expanded on my experience and reflections in a full blog post on sharing from your scars - not from your wounds, which you can read here.
Wishing you strength and discernment on your journey,
Upcoming Grief Circle!
Finally! I've had a number of people ask when I am going to begin with grief circles. I'm excited to say that I will be starting in late September with a special kick-off circle/event on September 22nd (Autumn Equinox)!
I will send out special announcements with all of the details in the coming days, and should you have any questions in the meantime please email me! As always, I love to hear from you!
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