Once Upon A Time
As I said in yesterday’s post:
I’m ready to share my story, with hope that others like me might connect with it. We can feel stronger when we know we’re not alone.
I’ve spent the past ten weeks experiencing just how true that is.
This Saturday I will be celebrating my graduation from the Women’s Leadership Institute’s Program for Women Who Have Overcome Adversity. You’ll be hearing more about it – as I described it to my boyfriend on my drive back from orientation: “This is like Oprah-level stuff!”. For now, I encourage you to visit the website or Facebook page.
My next few blog posts will be excerpts from my writings during the program. Today’s post is actually from my application, in response to the question: “How will participating in the Women’s Leadership Institute Program impact your life?”
Just as I shared my story there, I now share it here, with you.
Sharing my stories with others is important to me. I have found the ability to connect with someone that has been where you are – to find a person that you identify with – can afford a more powerful therapeutic value than any medication or support manual could provide. I see a need for more role models for women with ADHD, OCD or other mental illnesses. If others can benefit from the lessons my experiences have taught me, I think it would be selfish not to share to what I’ve learned.
By giving me the opportunity learn about the adversities that others have overcome, I’ll also be able to learn by example that my past need not dictate my future. These accomplishments of the other participants, and the women that completed the program before us, will provide me with the inspiration to set goals that surpass merely surviving and reaffirm my potential to create a life in which I thrive.
Your blog contains a quote by Anna Quinlan that resonates with me:
If your success is not on your own terms, if it looks good to the world but does not feel good in your heart, it is not success at all.
Previously my success was not on my own terms, and although it looked good to the world, it did not feel good in my heart.
I’m optomistic that, with the right structure, framework, tools, and support, I’ll be able to identify what my true success looks like and the momentum to fully achieve it.
Like Leaping Lucy, I too shall soar!
Until recently, my past success may not have been on my terms or felt good in my heart at the time. Still, those accomplishments currently remain in my heart, filling it with evidence that – empowered with the proper guidance – I have the ability to define and achieve the terms of my future success.
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Thank you for sharing your story. I think it is important that we all do, so we can find community and know we’re not alone!
Thank you so much! I know when I read about other people who’ve had similar experiences, it’s reassuring to know it’s not “just me” :-)