Sometimes, I think I need reminding more than I need teaching. Most of what I need, I already have... I just need it dusted off and set where I can see it. So here we go. If you can be brave with your story, when you are brave with your truth, you silently (and probably unintentionally) give others permission to do the same. When you tell the truth, when you unearth the parts you never thought you had the strength to say aloud, you give everyone who hears permission to do the same. I've seen it happen again and again and again. The moment you hear a chapter you recognize, your heart leaps- "I thought I was the only one!" All of a sudden, you are not closed and alone, wondering why your life experienced such hardship or such confusion. You are among your people- and they know how you feel. In the circle of friends, time can easily pass without anything of consequence being discussed (and that's fine- we all need some levity). But here is the secret...