After I published the article “Get over it already, or maybe not”, I felt sick to my stomach. The thoughts that came to mind included, how can you share this with the world wide web?, what will people think of you?, did you just admit you failed?, what did you just do? Those are just some of the thoughts that came up for me, combined with the body sensations of sickness.
Luckily, I had to attend a lunch meeting, and couldn’t keep dwelling on those thoughts. When I got home, a few hours later, I was encouraged by all the responses the article had gotten. They included supportive comments, acknowledgment of the process I described, and gratitude by those experiencing a similar situation. It was wonderful to read the posts offering additional information to help those going through their own healing process.
The comments kept coming, by email, Facebook messages, comments within the article, and even in person meetings. Many told me that thanks to my article they realized they weren’t alone, they realized they weren’t the only ones going through a heart break, and that it was fine to reach out for support. I also deeply appreciate the thank you notes from those who found the strategy of living moment to moment helpful.
Interestingly enough, others who have not read the article are also becoming even more vulnerable and open with me than they ever allowed themselves to be. The reality is that once you let go of your masks, and you become fully real with yourself first and foremost, and with others, people respond to you the same way.
How are you being real? Ask yourself the following questions:
Have you ever heard someone tell you: Get over it already!? Have you ever told yourself that?