This is a special Monday post in honor of NO SHAME DAY, a movement started by friend and poet/mental health advocate Bassey Ikpi.
A year ago, after the 15-year-old daughter of her friend committed suicide, Bassey started the Siwe Project, a non-profit organization that aims to increase awareness about the importance of seeking mental health services. This year, the Siwe Project, is kicking off its inaugural No Shame Day by asking folks to share their experiences dealing with mental health issues, and I decided to support the cause and share an aspect of my story I rarely talk about.
While some will surely judge my decisions, living without fear of shame and judgement is not only one of the most freeing ways to live, but it’s also necessary if we are to reach our goals.
Being weighed down by the fear of being gawked at, talked about, or criticized never helped anybody be great, so don’t let other people’s limited views of you stop you from realizing your dreams.
Additionally, sharing our stories can also serve as a huge inspiration to others. You never know who you’ll touch by simply being vulnerable and sharing your life story.
Sharing my story is the motivation behind this site, the #GOALDiggers movement, and my ebook, Break Out of Your Box. Sharing my story is the single most important thing that has helped me live this wonderful life I’m living today.
Can baring your scars, flaws, and not-so-tidy parts be scary? Hell yes. But it can also liberate us from those things that continue to weigh us down.
Shed your baggage, inspire others, and tell you story.
What’s your story? Share it in the comments section.
Great post.. thank you for sharing!
Thank you for sharing this, Britni! Your story is inspiring because it shows the simple, but often difficult decision to get help from someone outside of a sister-friend when we need clarity, confidence, and courage!
I’ve learned to make a habit of using my writing and my voice to share my No Shame moments, particularly when I’m afraid of how people might respond. It often feels like putting my hand in a fire, but I realize that once I put my hand in, it turns out that there is no fire–just my fears, and several opportunities to move past the “stuck/afraid” points, and move on to feeling more like I actually WANT to feel!
Thank you for sharing your story!
Sands I am so very proud of you…you are bringing tears to my eyes. It takes IMMENSE strength and courage to lay your soul bare and reveal the not so nice parts of our lives. I commend you, hats off to you for allowing yourself to be vulnerable and share your story. THAT TAKES HE-MAN/SHE-MAN strength. The last line about your friends made me tear up. I LOVE YOU. ((hugs))
Thank you for sharing your story, Britni! You have saved at least one life today.
Love you!
I appreciate you Britni for sharing your truth! for respecting the page you’re on and being vulnerable..open to wellness & healing. Please know you are worth it all and YOU are a gift to yourself, your precious child and the world. love u sis!
And thank you (and M. Wins & Sofia) for reading! I’m going to remember I’m a gift and walk with a lil pep in my step 🙂
That was so powerful!!! Thanks for sharing.