The Power of Sharing Your Story

Here are some of the things that I have learned and taken to heart throughout my journey. This is my spiritual ministry. 1. Stories are empowering: a. It’s the #1 way to journey to forgiveness. Whether for yourself or someone who has wronged you the past. Forgiveness is like a cleansing of emotional toxins. It’s energizing and gives clarity. It gives lightness to your soul. b. It moves you past any shame you may carry like a weight on your shoulders. One author who had been married 5 times had carried that shame for 20 years. In writing and sharing her story she was able to cast off the shame and unleash her self-love. It was the catalyst to focus her coaching career on working with divorced women and seeing them out of their darkness. c. It puts you in an influential position to help others to heal and squash their demons. You have the ability to raise up your sisters and help them to the other side of their trauma. Leave your imprint on the world. 2. Stories create connections and bonds: a. I have an unshakeable bond with the 18 women who joined me on The Lemonade Stand journey. I would do anything for these female soulmates, and I believe they would do the same for me. People who have come to me to share their story, after hearing mine naturally connect, and in the most vulnerable and real way. This process has been like networking on steroids, only in a far more honest and lasting way. b. People do business with people they like and trust. There is no better way to build trust than to be a little raw about yourself and bare your soul in a commanding and courageous way. Storytelling is the newest trend in marketing so get on the cutting edge of it and grow your business exponentially by showing the world you and imperfect, just like everyone else. c. Build your own community or join ours. Like-minded people and individuals with relatable stories will seek you out and want to be a part of the movement to amplify the voice of real, raw, and vulnerable. Everyone is invited to join The Lemonade Stand Community on Facebook. It’s my group and it’s a safe place to share, to ask for what you need, and to give and receive support. 3. Stories & Books give you credibility: a. If you walk into an event and offer up your story in print as a door prize or give away, you will be spotlighted and recognized for your contribution. People in the room will want to talk to you about your experiences. b. If you desire to be on the stage, having a book with your name as an author is an absolute must. It’s like the University degree that gets you the interview for the job. c. But here is the credibility I want you to think about. It’s the credibility you gain for yourself. That moment after you’ve taken what’s been in your heart and your head, bouncing around looking for a safe place land. You’ve put pen to paper and given it life, and others have stepped in to edit, proof, and give feedback. After all the fears, self-doubt and terrifying thoughts of failing, you read the final proof like it’s the first time you’ve ever heard it. And you realized it is a sacred and treasured life story that you have lived and survived. Your passionate gift for yourself and the world. I have personally seen my authors from the original book, The Lemonade Stand, gain tremendous growth in both their personal and professional world. Some have gained clients, some shifted their mission to make more of a difference in the world. Many have simply grown exponentially in their feelings of self-worth, their ability to step out of their comfort zone, one has written her own book as an extension of her chapter. And 100% of the 19 authors and their tribes have risen to new levels of drive, determination, and most importantly spirituality. This is about you and your story, and what you want to do with it. Even a story that is written and tucked away in your private spot is an empowering process. But, sharing it with the world and showing up brave, courageous and real is an extraordinary place to reside and rejoice in who you are, and all that you offer.