I spent a few hours with the gals at Swish Salon last night getting back to my “natural” hair color. While Lindsey was getting me all foiled up, we were chatting with Kerry (pictured above creating a messy bun during a recent GNO) about the history of HeartStories. Kerry owns Swish and has been a fabulous Girls Night Out sponsor for almost a year now. But we came to realize last night, that she’s never heard the story of how it all got started. She certainly hadn’t heard the history of all the struggles and different directions that led to creating the monthly GNO.
As I started to tell her, I felt an old familiar feeling creeping in.
I know its name. It’s shame. I could feel myself recoiling inside as we talked about the first big event in 2014, all the foolish choices I made, and all the reasons it took me over 2 years to find the courage to put on another one. But as I shared, Kerry was smiling that beautiful smile of hers saying things like, “Oh girl. I know. I’ve been there. I hear you! Anyone who owns a business understands. This is how it goes. We live through it and learn. . .”
With each word, I could feel the shame disappearing. She saw me. She understands the mantra of the business owner.
She’s been there.
“I am strong, because I’ve been weak.
I am fearless, because I’ve been afraid.
I am wise, because I’ve been foolish.”
It’s the mantra of a wise soul who’s come to understand that it is precisely the struggle that makes us strong.
The dirt we think might bury us, might turn out to be just the soil we need to grow. The people we’re ashamed to tell our stories to, often turn out to be the ones who understand the most. The thing we are most afraid of, could end up being the very thing that gives us the most courage.
What’s the story in your life you’re embarrassed to share?
If you share it in the company of generous, compassionate friends, you’ll find empathy.
What’s your story of struggle that made you strong, fearless, and wise?
There’s someone in your path who needs to feel seen and know you get it.
Please don’t hesitate to share.
Start by finishing this sentence:
I am strong because . . .
to more love,
Crystal
photo cred: Savanah Peterson Photography
