Be strong, you never know who you are inspiring.
That’s something I read this morning and knew I had to write a post about inspiring others. Over the last two days, a couple of people have asked for my opinion and complimented me on how I inspired them by the way I handled a very painful time in my life. Honestly, I didn’t feel brave at that time. I struggled. But what I decided to do was share my vulnerability. I allowed myself to cry (something I rarely do in public) and to share with authenticity my feelings of inadequacy and helplessness. I also shared my anger and my frustration. I realize that it was my authentic responses that inspired others.
Life, for me, hasn’t always been easy, even if most people feel that I’ve been born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I admit I never wanted for anything, but emotionally it’s never been easy. I feel all emotions very deeply and absorb the feelings of others. It’s hard for me see another person in pain, and it has often led to people taking advantage of me. So I hardened myself over the last few years, and didn’t allow emotion to show. However, the last six months have thrown me completely off. In simple terms, I was a mess.
It was only in January that I realized what I had been missing in my life – parts of me!
Now I’ve decided to dare greatly – to show emotion – to plunge into things I love wholeheartedly and to let the people I love know how I feel.
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ’cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me.
– Keala Settle (From The Greatest Showman)
My ‘gyaan’ for today is to live your life with no apologies. Be yourself. Reach out to others with honesty. Ask for what you need. Remember that you are a child of the Universe and you have a right to be here! And by being yourself, you never know who you will be inspiring and walking home!
Be yourself – your most authentic self, you never know who you are inspiring.
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The only people I show my vulnerability to now are my husband and my sister. Sometimes my parents too. But for the rest, I pretend to be this tough person. The only emotion I show others when I’m feeling vulnerable is probably anger or detachment. I have been hurt too many times by others to now show this side of me. But I do know what you mean.
So significant to me that I just finished reading Wounds are Where Light Enters, and then find your post on authentic living. The message is coming through loud and clear!
I always find your posts inspiring. Just like you I cannot cry in public and often find it difficult to express my emotions. It is through writing that I show my vulnerabilities. You are so right when you say that we should live guilt free.
Through you and your blog, Corinne, I first realised the value of being authentic and how it has the power to connect people with each other, in the true sense. It will be right to say I found my home here.
You’ve hit the nail on the head Corinne. By just being yourself warts and all, you inspire people and help them through their times of difficulty. As you said, you’ve had your share of sorrows and that’s what helps you empathise. Be yourself. Be there. Keep inspiring.
So true Corinne. The last year has taught me that there is strength in vulnerability – sometimes we receive that strength from others when we need it most but unless we are authentic and sincere, others can’t reach us.
We tend to hold it all in , in a vain bid at self control. But we only damage ourselves when we dont allow ourselves to feel and share. I am not saying cry in front of the whole world all the time. But there are a few who will empathise/hold you and counsel you in your moment of crisis/self doubt. Letting go and feeling it all brings a sense of wholsomeness – something I understood once I started practicing it. I have become unashamed in sharing my grief and asking for support from my loved ones.
Recently there is a crisis in the family and I know I have to be the stronger one, even though its breaking me inside – My besties are the ones to hold me together as I am using their shoulder to cry on through this!
Lovely post as always Corinne with loads of meaningful words – may you find your strength in your vulnerability!!!
I think people who faced the rough times are now equipped with strength like you are now to help empower people to face the ugliest things. Yes, being oneself is the only way and there is no short cut. Very well reflected Corinne.
Hey Corinne,
It great to be reading your post again. It’s always the best efforts you have put into your content, that’s why it will help many out there looking to learn.
By the way, Thanks for the great read Corinne.
~ Donna