The irony is that we attempt to disown our difficult stories to appear more whole or more acceptable, but our wholeness - even our wholeheartedness - actually depends on the integration of all of our experiences, including the falls.” - Brené Brown  

 I have spent a lot of time trying to disown, delete, dissolve and deny my own past. I tried to run from it, I tried to keep it hidden, I never wanted to accept or talk about my personal story. Little did I know that by holding on to this "secrecy" and not owning and embracing my past, that I was still being held shackled by it.

 Once I started to open up and speak on my past pain and experiences, I started to realize that not only was it freeing for myself, but also freeing for many other people who were going through the same pain.

 By giving myself permission to use my past and to allow it to emPower my life, it also gives others the freedom to give themselves permission to find power in their past. Our past does not define us but it does contribute to the amazing beings we are and strive to be. When you accept and lay claim to your past self or past life, you become a force that can not be stopped. 

Instead of denying our past experiences, lets find the power in them and let it drive our future full of faith, confidence and resilience.