“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” Maya Angelou

We can all be very selective about what ‘truths’ we choose to reveal to others. Sometimes we divulge just a hint of our chaotic feelings to test the waters and see what kind of response we get.

If our stab at being vulnerable is met with a blank stare and an uncomfortable silence, our intimate reveal is usually followed (very) quickly by a

‘…but other than that, everything’s great! Tell me, how are you?’

The mask gets put firmly back in place and we assume the facade of someone who has their shit together. But this is changing.

There is an army of women who are already quietly shouting their truths. Over the past few days I have been privileged enough to hear the stories of women who reached out to share their unique experiences of motherhood.

These are women who know or are in the midst of discovering, the power and the strength that lie in opening up their vulnerabilities to the light. To speak of their hurts, fears, guilt and shame even when everything inside of them is telling them to do otherwise for fear of being judged.

I have listened to mums cry silently on the phone and apologise for it. I cannot tell you enough that this is when I feel your power, your absolute rawness and determination to own what you’re going through.

I have listened to women speak so fiercely of what they have been through and how proud they are of who they have become, how grateful they are for the challenges they have faced.

We are all so unique but so connected.

In the midst of all this confusion, there is absolute certainty that you are where you are meant to be. Everything that you have gone through, ‘suffered’, has brought you to this exact moment in time.

I spoke with those mums for a reason. They showed up in my life when I needed them most.

I am exactly where am I am supposed to be. Right beside you.