Time for a monthly check in on my One Little Word: Story.
I did something really bold a few weeks ago. I started working with a Life Coach to help me resolve some issues from my past that are still impacting me today. It’s terrifying and exciting and also . . . helping. It’s helping me to see that I’m still stuck on some of the traumatic things that happened to me years ago. It’s helping me to let go of the fear that something terrible is going to happen to someone I love. It’s helping me to see that feeling joy and happiness doesn’t mean something tragic is headed my way.
One week, part of my homework was to watch the Brené Brown special Call to Courage on Netflix. I did not want to watch it. I didn’t want to hear some mumbo jumbo about being courageous, I did not want to listen to phony inspirational stories . . . I did not want to be vulnerable. But I watched it because I’m spending a lot of money on this life coaching thing and I promised myself I’d be all in.
Guess what? It was amazing. Life changing, even. Brené Brown’s delivery is funny and brilliant. Her stories are ones I can relate to and not in the least little bit phony or melodramatic. It’s real and powerful and hopeful. It made me see that real strength comes from vulnerability. That true courage is showing someone who you really are. That experiencing joy is perhaps the bravest thing of all.
It made it easier for me to own my story.
It’s truly amazing when the universe just throws everything at you all at once and it all makes sense.
That’s my story this month.
I think using a life coach must take guts and commitment, so good for you! I’ve always scrolled past the Brené Brown special because I was also not interested in mumbo jumbo pop psychology, but I may have to admit I pre-judged and give it a try. Congratulations on having it all make sense!
It is so hard to deal with difficult things from our past and it it so much easier to ignore them. I applaud your decision to get some help *and* sharing that with all of us. I think you are one of the most courageous people I know and I am so glad that this very hard work is helping you bring your story to life. XOXO
Oh, Carole. I’m so happy for you! It takes such courage to reach in and pull out all that . . . crap . . . that holds us back. You are AWESOME. (And isn’t Brené Brown fabulous? She’s just one of my favorite thinkers!) XO
Sending you good wishes for this process. It sounds challenging, but my money is on you.
This is just awesome Carole. Wishing you all the best as you make your way. xo
Facing difficult things is hard and emotional and incredibly brave. You should be very proud of yourself for doing it!
Good for you! It does take courage to do something like this and I’m so glad you are finding it worthwhile.
PS – loved your speech yesterday – well done!!
Brene Brown’s Book that helped change my life is “Rising Strong” I read it this past summer while on vacation. Wanted to throw it in the lake a few times. But it was a game changer for me. Constantly reminding myself that the “story in my head” isn’t necessarily what is happening around me.
Keep going! You will Rise Strong through this journey!
You are truly one of the most amazing people I know. You are strong. I have seen you grow, change in ways I would never have predicted. You are doing good work and telling great stories. Last week I didn’t want to be vulnerable either and then BLAM – was broken. No choice in the matter. I’m working to make sense of all that’s changed and to figure out this new direction. Your story ring so true for me.
Wow, you’re so brave! Deciding to bring in a live coach to resolve things from the past definitely is all about owning your own story. Wishing you the strength you need to work through this.
It takes real courage to look at yourself and admit and accept who you are without illusions and delusions, but it comes in its own time. I think you have to be far beyond the trauma for some things to be seen objectively. And it is an evolution that happens over time. Hooray for you in making this part of your story!
That’s awesome, Carole!! Good for you. I am glad you feel that you’re making progress, too. I have seen Brene Brown on TED Talks, I think, and also listened to one of her books… I love her message(s) but I have found that listening to her voice while driving down the highway is not safe for me!! Soooo sleeeeppppyyyy. Her voice just puts me super at ease, I guess!! ?
Glad you are finding resources to help you as you write your story.