“Tell your story. Shout it. Write it. Whisper it if you have to. But tell it. Some won’t understand it. Some will outright reject it. But many will thank you for it. And then the most magical thing will happen. One by one, voices will start whispering, “Me, too. ” And your tribe will gather. And you will never feel alone again.”
-L.R. Knost
Can you imagine how good it would be to be able to talk? To be able to share. To have your pain held – like a scared, tender thing?
Can you picture that?
Can you imagine what it would be like to be understood? To feel understood. To know that you are not the only one. To know that others have walked in your shoes, and experienced what you’ve experienced.
Of course, it can never be exactly the same – because everyone’s experience is different. But something similar enough for them to absolutely get it. Without having to defend yourself, or explain yourself to anyone.
Can you imagine how good that would feel?
Can you imagine how the weight would lift from your shoulders?
Can you imagine the relief? The sense of being able to let go – of all the pain, the heartache, the sorrow, the judgment, the deep, deep disappoint and pain.
Can you imagine what a difference that would make to you?
I hope that you are able to take that first step. To find a way to talk, and to share what you’ve been through. You owe it to yourself. Your story really should be heard.
“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one!’” – C.S. Lewis
Don't Lose Hope 
I can imagine what you’ve described, but what are some criteria to look for in a safe person to talk with?
I’d like to answer my own question, if you don’t mind.
I’ve found the acronym C. A. R. I. to be helpful when I need someone safe to take with.
Besides being a good listener, this person should be: Calm, Approachable, Reasonable, Informed.
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These are great qualities, David. I think you would also need to feel that this is someone who is completely confidential, someone who is truly emphatic, non-judgmental and accepting.
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I like your list better than mine. I figured you would have something to add.😊
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Ah, you’re too modest!!!! Those are great qualities you listed 🙂
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Thank you, but you are clearly the pro. AND this is YOUR blog.
It looks like CARI has a wiser friend named CANE: Confidential, Accepting, Non-judgmental, Empathic.
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Hahaha … I love it. CARI and CANE 🙂
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It’s very difficult to find CARICANE’s in this world… I can relate to this post. Unfortunately I relate to the “Some won’t understand it. Some will outright reject it.” part more closely than the rest. But I’m learning to be okay with that
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Yes, it can be difficult, and finding the right person is important. If we share something precious and it is trivialized or misunderstood it makes it even worse. In that case, we usually wished we’d never shared!
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Tell me about it! I understand the feeling of wishing I never shared 😳.
But in some special cases, depending on what it is, if it’s something that needed to be shared, regardless of the person with whom it was shared with response, I think it can some times be important/better to have shared than to never speak up. What the recipient does with the information says more about them than the person who had the courage to share. Especially if they shared believing they were sharing with a CARICANE
I’ve learned from my mistakes. And I will be wise in the future with whom I share really sensitive, important, and personal information. But if I make the mistake of misjudging the person as a CARICANE when in fact they were not, then I wouldn’t personally regret sharing. Because their response is on them. I would drive myself crazy wondering what if, personally lol 🙂
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*correction: Especially if someone shared believing he/she was sharing with a CARICANE* That sentence was confusing sry
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No worries. I understood what you were saying 🙂 Have a lovely day!
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Tell your story. That is a great recommendation. ❤
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I adore that C S Lewis quote.. in opening our story we connect, we are all human all suffer in similar ways..
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Yes, in opening our story we connect. I absolutely agree. And I love that quote, too! Thanks for sharing this emergingfromthedarknight
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Finding a pair of caring ears to listen to a one small voice builds a connection.
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Yes, finding someone who cares makes all the difference and in the world.
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Thank you for sharing.
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This quote is one of the reasons I started my webpage. Even if no one reads it, I’m getting it out. My oldest used journaling as therapy and some journals are letters to God. He was telling someone even if it was written out and not spoken. Although, he would also tell me things that I had to remind him that I was his mother and…omg TMI! Lol
But that’s one of my favorite things I miss now that he’s gone.
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Journalling is so therapeutic. I’m glad you decided to start your blog – for your sake, but also for others too. Thinking of you Aimee.
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Reblogged this on Survivors Blog Here Mental Health Collaborative .
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[…] It’s Good to Talk — Don’t Lose Hope […]
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