Incredible and important. So many of us can relate for so many reasons. And this was truly resonant for me:
"We’re taught that success is something to climb toward: a ladder measured in titles, production, and recognition. But the ladder itself was built inside systems that reward expansion over integrity."
Expansion over integrity. The truth of that!!!! Look at our world, we are living in that. My heart says a boundless yes to this with such gratitude April. <3
Thank you so much for this, Stephanie. Yes, that 'expansion over integrity' thread runs through so much of what we see around us. And even within us sometimes! I'm grateful this spoke to you. Your words feel like a shared exhale.
I remember when you became my first subscriber. I had been posting my life story bit by bit into the void. One day, after watching the President address the joint congress, something in me stirred. My body was tight, and I had to write about what I felt.
The truth, and ever since, I keep on going because of you!
Oh wow, this means so much. I remember reading your story early on and feeling your honestly and courage. I'm touched to know that my presence has played even a small part in your journey. Keep writing, Stephen! The world needs voices like yours.
I'm sitting here right now after months of not writing, except for some notes.
"I am afraid that my offering to the world is not valuable, and if I step out of my watchtower, I will be seen as an imposter with no real help for anyone. I am afraid I will never be fully prepared to act, and staying in observing mode without meeting my soul's needs will be my downfall".
This is an example of what I am working on, and it's people like you that keep me going!.
I share this to tell the truth because that's all I have right now.
Rarely does our world acknowledge the strength and courage it takes to share so vulnerably, esp in public. What you wrote touches something that so often goes unseen...that edge between staying safe and stepping forward. It can be such a tender and powerful place.
Your honesty is an offering, Stephen. Maybe not having it all figured out is part of the work itself 💖
You are wise. I like to explore the shadow side of myself. The unseen, the vulnerable parts of self that lie dormant and appear only in profound courage and doing the thing that frightens us the most. ( reaching out, being vulnerable).
I will lean into this moving forward, and you are correct in saying not having it all figured out is part of the work.
Thank you for this, April. It is so helpful. It gave me another way of looking back at my life and why I made the choices I made. I grew up in a closed system that gave me the answers, so as long as I could live with that, it was relatively easy to put myself out there. It's been a long journey of trying to find my own way, knowing that I am unable to live within any human system. You've given me a lot to think about and a good way to look back and to move forward.
Incredible and important. So many of us can relate for so many reasons. And this was truly resonant for me:
"We’re taught that success is something to climb toward: a ladder measured in titles, production, and recognition. But the ladder itself was built inside systems that reward expansion over integrity."
Expansion over integrity. The truth of that!!!! Look at our world, we are living in that. My heart says a boundless yes to this with such gratitude April. <3
Thank you so much for this, Stephanie. Yes, that 'expansion over integrity' thread runs through so much of what we see around us. And even within us sometimes! I'm grateful this spoke to you. Your words feel like a shared exhale.
I remember when you became my first subscriber. I had been posting my life story bit by bit into the void. One day, after watching the President address the joint congress, something in me stirred. My body was tight, and I had to write about what I felt.
The truth, and ever since, I keep on going because of you!
Great work, keep on going.
Oh wow, this means so much. I remember reading your story early on and feeling your honestly and courage. I'm touched to know that my presence has played even a small part in your journey. Keep writing, Stephen! The world needs voices like yours.
I'm sitting here right now after months of not writing, except for some notes.
"I am afraid that my offering to the world is not valuable, and if I step out of my watchtower, I will be seen as an imposter with no real help for anyone. I am afraid I will never be fully prepared to act, and staying in observing mode without meeting my soul's needs will be my downfall".
This is an example of what I am working on, and it's people like you that keep me going!.
I share this to tell the truth because that's all I have right now.
Thank you, April, for believing in me.
Rarely does our world acknowledge the strength and courage it takes to share so vulnerably, esp in public. What you wrote touches something that so often goes unseen...that edge between staying safe and stepping forward. It can be such a tender and powerful place.
Your honesty is an offering, Stephen. Maybe not having it all figured out is part of the work itself 💖
You are wise. I like to explore the shadow side of myself. The unseen, the vulnerable parts of self that lie dormant and appear only in profound courage and doing the thing that frightens us the most. ( reaching out, being vulnerable).
I will lean into this moving forward, and you are correct in saying not having it all figured out is part of the work.
Much love to you and yours, my friend.
Thank you for sharing your truth and your heart. I’m grateful for this connection ❤️
Thank you for this, April. It is so helpful. It gave me another way of looking back at my life and why I made the choices I made. I grew up in a closed system that gave me the answers, so as long as I could live with that, it was relatively easy to put myself out there. It's been a long journey of trying to find my own way, knowing that I am unable to live within any human system. You've given me a lot to think about and a good way to look back and to move forward.
You speak of an element of visibility that feels so important - how it changes when we choose to honor our own way. Such a courageous journey.