Growing up I learned to keep my feelings hidden and to hide my true sensitive self. As an adult I tried to be what I thought I should be. I played small and safe through 30 years of marriage. Even after my marriage ended I was still living in my small story – I had been looking for rescue and refusing to take responsibility!
This was shocking to me.
Early on in life I made up a lie about myself that I don’t matter and a rule that I am not allowed to be happy. Once I recognized this, I saw that I had been hiding and punishing myself by staying stuck in:
- Guilt
- Overwhelm
- Self-pity
- Shame
These emotions were covering up the truer emotions I was feeling:
- Anger
- Hurt
- Rage
A deeper ownership of my true emotions allowed me to forgive myself and to live from a more authentic, vulnerable and empowered place.
It is time for me to be the powerful women I know I am. To step out of hiding and to live the courageous story my soul came to tell in this lifetime. The one that only I can tell.
This is my truth.
Why did you choose this topic?
The topic was my second speech in Speaker Sisterhood. The speech topic chose me. I went with coming out of hiding in my small story and opening into the truth of the powerful, strong woman I really am because I am finding my voice and my message in the Speaker Sisterhood, and this is where I am in my soul’s journey in this lifetime.
Why do women in the community need to hear it?
I offer my journey to any other women who may be hiding in their small stories. I am holding out a hand for them to step into the light of who they truly are.
Jill Wolk is a transformational coach who helps people live the story their soul came to tell in this lifetime. Learn more about her at jillwolk.com
WHMP celebrates Women’s History Month in a series of women speaking their truth, produced by WHMP News Director Denise Vozella, who leads a speaking club for women in Northampton, as part of the Speaker Sisterhood. The Speaker Sisterhood provides a community to women who want to discover, awaken, and create their voice through the art of public speaking.
Speaker Sisterhood: Discover, Awaken and Create Your Voice 