Elizabeth Gilbert asked to share a photograph of when you felt the most powerful. It is odd, it isn't the one where your hair was perfect, you body size at its best and the right outfit.
"Generally speaking, the deepest kind of power doesn’t have much to do with anyone else at all. Nothing to do with status, nothing to do with reputation, nothing to do with winning.
Because you can achieve all that stuff (status, reputation, victory) and still feel lost as hell.
No, true power comes from standing in your own truth and walking on your own path.
That's it.
When you are operating from that place (standing in your truth; walking on your path) you are the mightiest thing that has ever lived. Nothing can harm you." Elizabeth Gilbert
I have a great slide show of memories of me being powerful.
Perhaps one that began the roll was facing my mother.
Staying with my truth against her perceptions and beliefs of our shared history.
To dare and face her down. Or maybe more true, to dare stand UP for me.
And to be the Guest Speaker at the Dial Help Gala, with My Story Line quilts so beautifully showcased....to speak to an audience about being estranged due to abuse.
I was reading Rythea Lee's quote ""The people who have lost their parents and families due to abuse deserve the utmost respect and support. These people have risked it all to heal and stand up for the truth. These people are heroes and angels who hold a horrific reality for everyone else. They have suffered and escaped, and for that, I bow my head in reverence." — at Michigan Technological University.
To speak at "Take Back the Night" being the voice of a victim who no longer cowers in silence and shame.
To standing in Copper Country Mental Health, surrounded again by my quilts and speaking about my healing journey from abuse.
What I love is that I am not sad; but seem to be in my Element!
And then to "Call Me Mental"...the documentary film that is still in progress. (This was almost exactly one year ago. Feb. 10th)
It is remarkable, even to me, how comfortable I was talking about the quilts and Me and my breakdown into reality...
And, as I was looking through these photographs, I see how I have been so lovingly handed from one new friend to another...
How I was able to be open and trust that my words would be heard...that I would be seen; and my truth recognized.
That is what gave me power!
Oprah says we all want to be acknowledged.
"Can You see me and does what I say matter?"
I feel very grateful for all the opportunities and my ability to say Yes and step out of my comfort zone. To be a visual reminder to many that our power is fueled by our truth.
