A few weeks ago, I shared a post about rocking myself to sleep as a child.
What followed were hundreds (literally) of comments, direct messages and personal stories from people sharing experiences they had never spoken about publicly before.
It is fantastic that when one person is willing to be vulnerable, it often gives others permission to do the same.
Not long after, I posted that it was time to stop being selfish and focus more on sharing the challenges people face at work and in everyday life.
Ironically, most of the comments said the same thing: Please keep sharing your stories.
On Saturday, while working in Tauranga, two people I had met years earlier stopped me to say they had been reading my posts.
Then yesterday helped me make up my mind.
After presenting to Cancer Support New Zealand, I received a message from someone who attended one of my sessions two years ago. They told me that a conversation we had about the importance of human connection changed how they approached their cancer journey.
When things became difficult, they reached out. They connected with others, and they accepted support.
Today they are facing cancer for a second time and told me they genuinely believe those connections helped save their life.
That message reminded me why these conversations and our posts matter.
So, I've decided to mix it up.
Sometimes I'll share practical ideas and challenges we face at work and in life.
Sometimes I'll share my own stories, vulnerabilities, stumbles and lessons.
If one story helps someone feel less alone or gives them the confidence to reach out, it's worth sharing.
Take care, everyone; it's a crazy world at times, and I still believe our greatest strength is each other.
Let’s talk!
I Am Going To Mix It Up!