It's been a while since I last wrote. I've been a busy girl learning the ropes and becoming a competent registered nurse. I do love it, but please, don't worry that I'll be giving this up. You all are my passion. My vision for Less Drama Queens "gets me up in the morning" or should I say evening depending upon which day it is. Did I tell you I'm working night shift? Let's just say it's a bit of an adjustment and leave it at that.
Have I shared with you my dreams for Less Drama Queens? I know I've told some of you about them. I so look forward to the day when we have Less Drama Queen groups throughout the United States - small communities of girlfriends - coming together regularly. Intentional. Connecting. Growing together. Inspiring each other. Maximizing potential. Sharing life together. Supporting each other. Living free. Thriving. And most of all - Making Life Matter. There is more to this vision (a retreat center, conferences, books...) but that's it in a nutshell. Thank you for letting me share my heart with you. It's what I'm all about and what I've been contemplating lately - truly being known.
Who knows the real you? Do you have anyone in your life that you can just be yourself with? A girlfriend you don't have to put the guard up for? A girlfriend who knows the good, the bad, and the ugly and STILL loves you? I hope so. There's nothing like a friend who lets you just be in their presence. Over my 45 years, I've been blessed with an abundance of just those kind of friends. Thank you Ashley, Lauri, Lara, Kate, Kerstin, Susan, Wynter, Julie, Michelle, and Alisha.
To be truly known takes courage. It takes commitment to the process. It takes stepping out into the unknown. I've been facilitating small groups for the last 20 years. I've learned a few things about becoming known. It's a miracle to behold - that moment in which it happens. That moment when the bonds begin to take hold. It always takes someone who decides that vulnerability is worth it and who is willing to take the first step and put themselves out there. It's a scary moment for the one who steps out and shares a piece of their soul. It's actually breath-taking (for those who have done it, you know I'm not being overdramatic when I say that). I've been the one to step out and trust. It's not easy but I can tell you it's oh-so-worth it! The rewards are worth that moment of limbo - that moment of "in between" - when you share that piece of your heart and you wait for it to be received. "Did I share too much? Can they handle that? Should I have kept that to myself? Will they think I'm crazy?" You know the drill. I wonder how that many thoughts can run through one's head in that in-between moment. It's mind boggling, really.
I'm here to tell you that vulnerability is worth it every time. Even when it's not received. Being vulnerable means you are open. You are willing. You are available to be known. Being known is what connects us to each other. As women, it's especially important for us to connect. It's a big part of what we were created for.
I encourage you. I challenge you to be known in the circles you travel. Allow yourself the room to be vulnerable. Share yourself with others. Of course, be safe with whom you choose to share. But by all means, please share! You are a treasure - a gift to be given.
Be known,
Cindy
