Why is it so hard for women to bring all of ourselves, imperfections included, to the table? For starters, we’ve inherited deeply ingrained narratives — stories that shame us and drive our truest natures into hiding. That’s why we all need the support of someone like Ruthie Lindsey, my remarkable guest on this episode of What the Fundraising. She is an author, coach, speaker, and extraordinary healer whose rare wisdom provides a beautiful mirroring of all that we are, including the difficult pieces so many of us are reluctant to expose. 

In this episode, Ruthie invites us to embrace our truest selves through practices such as intentional expression (Dance! Journal! Scream!) and the RAIN framework that author and psychologist Tara Brach recommends for processing jealousy and other challenging emotions. 

Enjoy this powerful conversation with a woman who has worked tremendously hard to fully embrace every facet of herself and is now serving as a beacon for others finding their way towards self-love and acceptance. If you work in the service or nonprofit world, this episode is likely especially relevant. Here’s a chance to pause and reflect on what it means to feel nourished and deeply worthy, which in turn will fuel your life goals and mission!

If you need a reminder of your fundraising magic specifically, you might be interested in taking my Fundraising Superpower Quiz. 

Episode Highlights:

(03:12)  A brief intro to Ruthie Lindsey 

(05:03)  Ruthie’s “Love Reflection Sessions” 

(06:20) Mallory and Ruthie’s first meeting, where Mallory lied to her.

(08:40) The inherited stories we tell ourselves about not being worthy or deserving of time, love, and tenderness. 

(12:22) The way we “fold ourselves up” in an effort to be accepted and loved. 

(15:14) All about jealousy and comparison.

(17:39) Ruthie shares Tara Brach’s RAIN framework. 

(22:19) Showing up with self-love rather than a place of needing to be needed.

(23:50) “Doing good’ vs. showing up with an honest, sustainable, positive energy. 

(27:23) Embracing tears and the power of crying. 

(31:34) Greeting hard narratives with compassion in order to create a liberating shift in the story.

(34:01) The discomfort and necessity of setting boundaries. 

(35:42) The daily practice of belonging.

(42:25) Small rituals that Ruthie recommends to shift towards self-love and healing.

(47:03) Creating a container where our truest feelings are safe to emerge.

(49:54) Where to connect with Ruthie Lindsey

This episode of What the Fundraising was sponsored by Neon One, the comprehensive platform for coordinating donor and member management, fundraising, volunteers, and grants as well as all kinds of information about the when, where, why, and how of giving. Head over to this link to learn more!