Early in February, I wrote in my journal “The words unsaid”. I had attended an all-day women’s workshop and was touched by the bravery of those willing to go on the “hot seat”. It turns out that we had more things in common than we could think or imagine. When we share, and don’t keep words unsaid, we learn that we are not alone, and we serve as an example and support for others. Your sharing may give someone else the permission they need to speak up, and to ask for support.
In my journey as a teacher and coach, I pay attention to what’s being said and what’s not. Usually, in the classroom, if someone shares something about themselves, and they start telling their story with this is weird, but… or a version of it, I usually ask the whole class if they had gone through something similar, and I’m yet to encounter a time that no hands go up.
After a coaching session, even though the solution was not clear yet, a client shared with me how grateful she was, knowing that she was not alone, and that her situation didn’t have to be faced as if she was in an island. Just that acknowledgment can shift someone’s energy in an instant.
When a friend of mine was looking for a job and reached out for help, although I couldn’t refer her to a job, I knew of someone who possibly could help, and I asked. It turns out that she couldn’t help her out directly, but knew the right person to talk to. She made the connection, and my friend felt supported. She got a job not through this connection, but knowing that she wasn’t alone was crucial in her process. If she had never reached out for help, there is a possibility that she could still be looking.
We are not alone. Remind yourself of that. Even when you have experienced the unthinkable, and maybe no one you know experienced it, there is someone out there who faced something similar, something close, or something possibly even more challenging to them. Don’t leave the words unsaid. Share it with someone you trust, and know that you are not alone, ever.
Namaste,
Elisa
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