Hot Off the Press – Free Art Guide (Press Here)
Dear Friend,
Let’s Keep It Real
What does it mean to you when I say, “Keep it Real?” Is being real the same as telling the truth? What does it mean to you? And what issues do you have trying to keep it real the way you define it? Is “keeping it unreal” a thing? I would love to know your thoughts.
Me? I’m keeping it real because I don’t want to feel alone with my secrets. How’s that for you? I can see how keeping a secret might feel safer. Because the Shame factor can feel worse than death, right? Buuut… the feeling of being shut down and disconnected? For me, that’s a form of death more potent than shame.
OK, here’s my best recent example: Last year, remember there was so much news and angst about the Supreme Court overturning of Roe? Scary, yes, and yet this outrage helped me feel empowered (encouraged, even mandated, really) to share one of my secrets more publicly.
When I was 17, I had an abortion. Every year for 10 years after my 1968 abortion, I would get morning sickness on the anniversary. I thought for sure it was a punishment from God. Who knows? Maybe it was. But I know for sure it was grief. And that Shame factor? Uh, YEAH!! It wasn’t until I shared my secret with my mom 10 years later that the anniversary triggers subsided.
That said, I don’t think that being real and telling the truth about facts are the same thing. I could disclose true facts that would be gossip. And have you ever had friends who over-shared? ‘Nuff said. Being real to me is telling my soul’s truth, at least to those I trust can handle the truth. You may disagree with me and I’m open to discussion, always.
So, what inspires you to be real? I believe I must trust myself first. I also must be okay with the risk of being judged. I cannot deny my soul’s truth. My soul’s truth is the light that shows me my life’s path or purpose. The truth is that I can’t do it alone, and I haven’t met anyone who wants to do it alone. Let’s brainstorm some creative ways. I’d love that!
Mental Health & Creativity
When do you do your inner work? Do you do it alone? Do you have a buddy? Do you work with a therapist, coach, or minister? I do mine with a therapist and some of my soul Sistahs. Sometimes my soul gets filled by travel, meeting new people, and experiencing a new culture. Journaling helps me to sort out all the clutter in my mind and body. Dance helps to release pent-up energy. Doing the work intentionally and then filling my soul with joy, fun, and self-care has been the road to freedom and connection to my soul’s path. Tell me yours?
Creatively Yours,
Jody
