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Share your trips and real-time location from Google Maps

Mar 22, 2017

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“Where are you now?” and “What's your ETA?” Whether you’re heading to a party or meeting up for dinner, you probably hear questions like this pretty often from family and friends. Soon Google Maps users worldwide will be able to answer those questions in just a few taps, without ever leaving the app. On both Android and iOS, you’ll be able to share your real-time location with anyone. And the people you share with will be able to see your location on Android, iPhone, mobile web, and even desktop.  Here's how it works in a real-world scenario:

Whenever you want to let someone know where you are, just open the side menu or tap the blue dot that represents where you are. Tap “Share location” and then select who to share with and how long to share—and you're done! You can share your real-time location with your Google contacts, or even share with friends and family by sending a link on your favorite messenger apps. When you’re sharing your location, the people you’ve chosen to share with will see you on their map. And you’ll see an icon above the compass on your own map reminding you that you’re actively sharing your location. You can change your mind and stop sharing at any time—it’s entirely up to you.

Next time you’re on your way or running late, you can share your real-time location and trip progress from navigation as well. During your next trip, tap the “More” button on the bottom on the navigation screen, and then tap “Share trip.” When you share your trip with people, they’ll see your expected arrival time and can follow your journey as you head toward your destination. Sharing automatically ends when you arrive.

Location sharing on Google Maps is rolling out soon worldwide, and you’ll be able to quickly let your friends and family know where you are and when you’ll get where you’re going. The answer to “where are you?” is only a tap away.

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5 Easy Ways You Can Share Your Journey and Inspire Others to do the Same

by joycelayman | branding , content marketing , relationships | 0 comments

We all know that sharing our journeys can be a powerful way to inspire others, but it’s not always easy to know how to get started. You may feel like your journey isn’t interesting enough, or that you don’t have the time or energy to share it. You may also know what you want to say but don’t have the confidence to put yourself out there.

As a former wallflower in the world of business networking, I get you. It was scary for me in the beginning until I discovered the power of story and how it accelerates the connection between you, your audience, and your ideal clients who can benefit the most. 

Your journey is made up of multiple stories so I’m going to start by taking you through the story creation process first.

I learned this process from my speaking coach back in 2007 when I was preparing for the Toastmasters International Speech Competition. Going through this process taught me SO much about the power of story, how to frame it, and most importantly how to share it with others. 

Start By Thinking About One Event

When you think about your journey, start with one story – an event that stands out to you. The memory could spark laughter, be inspiring, or even a challenge you overcame. I call it your ‘there to here’ story and it’s the same framework I used to create my TEDx talk. I also used this for the keynotes that I did since there multiple stories in each one.

Sometimes stories come out of the least likely places. One of my favorites was sharing the story of how I met Bob Burg via Twitter. It’s the ‘if you don’t ask the answer is always no’ story. The result was coming out of my wallflower shell and resulted in sharing the stage with Bob a year later. He later endorsed my second book which I am forever grateful for.

Sharing this story during keynotes and company training inspired other wallflowers to step outside of their comfort zone. How do I know this? Through the conversations I had with attendees at the events and the emails they sent me telling their stories. #POWERFUL TIP: Keep a story file. My speaking coach taught me this to make sure I didn’t forget a good story example. In 2007 I used a word document but now I use the notes app on my cellphone and Evernote on my computer.

Don’t Worry About How It’s Going to Sound

Write about what you want to share – don’t worry about how it’s going to sound. This is where the doubt tends to creep in. If you’re introverted that can make it even harder. This is why you start with a story file and think back through memories.

An easy one is to think through why you started your business in the first place. Or if you haven’t quite made that leap then what’s going on now to make you want to make the move. When you share your story, don’t worry about how it’s going to sound. Just start writing and see where the words take you.

You can always go back and revise it later, but getting started is the hardest part. The next step is to write down a few thoughts on paper (in a journal), in a word document, or in my favorite platform EVERNOTE.

You can also record with an app on your phone and have it transcribed through HappyScribe or another online platform for next to nothing! This is the process I used to write a 221-page biz book and went from nothing on paper to fully published in 35 days!

Use a  ‘There to Here’ Framework

When you share the story in a way that is interesting and easy to follow, it will keep readers/listeners engaged. You do this by making sure to focus on the main points. It’s easy to get caught up in the tiny details that we remember – but your audience may get lost in them. You should have the set-up, three to five main points. This will help you stay on track, and make sure that your story is clear and concise.

It’s also important to have a strong ending, so that your audience will remember what you said. I always say there are lessons to be learned in every story.

When you’re done, ask yourself how the experience has changed you, and what you learned from it. This is a great way to wrap up your story, and give your audience something to think about.

TIP: A clear ending with one main call to action will help your audience remember the entire story. If you want another set of eyes before you share your story ask a friend or business associate for feedback before publishing it publicly so you can make any necessary edits

5 Ways to Share Your Story

One story can be shared in multiple ways – repurposing makes sharing your story easy! Start by picking an outlet that feels comfortable to you. This also determines the length of your story.

• Blog, podcast (yours or someone else’s)
• Facebook post, live or Instagram story
• Interview with a local media outlet
• On the about section of your website
• In a conversion event – webinar, workshop, etc.

When it comes to sharing your journey, the most important thing is to just start. Don’t worry about how it’s going to sound, or if it’s interesting enough. Just write down your thoughts and see where they take you. You can always go back and revise them later. Sharing your journey can be a powerful way to inspire others, so don’t hesitate to get started today!

If you’re like me and you struggle to write, be sure to check out my favorite AI tool. It’s like having a professional writer in your back pocket and I use it for everything including blogs, video scripts, social posts, and more! Check it out here.

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Best apps and sites to plan, record and share your trips

Nov 25, 2013 • 5 min read

Dreaming up a trip is the easiest part of every journey. All you need is a working imagination. The other bits before you go? Not so easy, or so much fun. You’ve got to book tickets, worry about accommodation, work out budgets, apply for visas…then you’ve got to plan your itinerary. And what about recording memories for sharing during the trip itself? It can be hard to keep track of the many aspects of a holiday via scraps of paper and a jumble of emails.

Here are some websites and apps to help plan, track, record and share your holiday in an easier and more organised fashion. Try them and pick the ones you’re most comfortable using: keep it lean and only use the sites/apps which are truly useful to your travel patterns or risk being caught in a paralysing loop of app agony.

Red eye by Marcin Wichary . CC BY 2.0 .

If you’re a fastidious planner and need to religiously track all your itineraries, TripIt ( www.tripit.com ) is a life saver. Just email your confirmation emails (car hire, hotel bookings, airline tickets, restaurant reservations, etc) to [email protected] and voila, you have an instant itinerary. The basic app is free (with ads) and paying $49/year gives you real-time flight alerts, seat tracking, frequent flier tracking and other goodies. iOS, Android, Blackberry and Windows Phone apps available.

Gogobot ( www.gogobot.com ) is like Tripadvisor in that it has reviews and recommendations (hotels, sights, restaurants). Where it differs is the ability to plan trips, connect with friends who have been to destinations (to get their advice), and find like-minded recommendations by similar ‘tribes’ (ie. interest groups). It’s good for planning, connecting and getting recommendations. iOS and Android apps available.

Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree forum

Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree forum is an old-school web way of canvassing the thoughts and opinions of fellow travellers. You’ll find every conceivable topic covered: destinations, language, activities, travel technology, biking, hiking, packing, etc. You’ll find fellow forum users a passionate bunch and quick to respond to any and all sorts of queries you might have.

Roadtrippers

Road trip by Tim Lucas . CC BY 2.0 .

Planning a road trip through North America? Map it out on Roadtrippers ( roadtrippers.com ). Punch in your start and end points and the website maps your route and suggests sights, restaurants, and more along the way. Select the points of interest you’d like to see and add them as waypoints on your journey. ‘Guides’ with content contributed by other travel websites add thematic elements and ideas for your trips. Save and share your trip and download the app on iOS to access your itineraries on the run.

Mygola ( www.mygola.com ) presents slick-looking ‘curated’ list of itineraries which users can use as a base for planning their own trips. Start by typing in a destination. Suggested itineraries pop up. These can be customised, or you can create your own trip from scratch. You can then access and tweak the trip on a calendar page: add or remove elements such as sights or restaurants. Add notes, view the trip on the map and share the itinerary with people (and collaborators). When you’re done, there’s even a ‘book’ function that lets you book accommodation and buy tickets.

Other similar itinerary planning apps include the easy-to-use and ‘does it all for you’ Plnnr ( plnnr.com ), which has a handy ‘print itinerary' function, and Tripomatic ( www.tripomatic.com ), which creates a pretty nifty infographic of your trip). The latter has iOS and Android apps that also double as (paid) city guides with offline maps.

The Traveler

This free Android app ( play.google.com ) was originally developed by Ball State University for students to record field trips but it has since generated some buzz in the travel field. Users can create trips that use Google Maps and a GPS location to track travel paths. Add notes, videos, audio and waypoints and put it all together as a trip journal. You can then review the path in Google Maps and Google Earth. The developers have been adding new features and have been most responsive to user feedback. It takes a bit of experimenting to understand how it works and all its functions, but it’s a great free travel app.

You could also consider using free extended note-taking apps such as Google Keep and Evernote ( evernote.com ) to keep track of your trip. These apps save data in the cloud so you can sync information across devices.

Exchange money by epSos.de . CC BY 2.0 .

Making sure you don’t blow your budget is part and parcel of every holiday. Ditch your notebook or Excel spreadsheets and check out the iOS-only Trail Wallet ( voyagetravelapps.com/trail-wallet ) and Travel Budget App ( travelbudgetapp.com ) or the iOS/Android Bon Voyage app ( itunes.apple.com ). These apps track your expenses while you’re on holiday. Standard features such as setting budgets, changing currencies and, of course, checking whether you’ve blown the budget or pinched pennies (shown as a percentage on an infographic) are all there.

Capturing and sharing moments

Facebook and Twitter are great for keeping up with the news from home and staying in touch with friends and family, but when you’re on holiday, you really want to be spending more time recording moments and sharing them instead of hearing about how Man Utd fared over the weekend. For sharing vignettes of your trip, the top choice would be Instagram, which now does short videos too ( instagram.com ). iOS-only options include Hipstamatic and Oggl ( hipstamatic.com/oggl ). For photographers who want more editing capabilities in addition to social sharing, try VSCO Cam ( vsco.co/vscocam ).

All these apps are great at linking with other social networks and blogs. You can kill several birds with one stone and autopost your photos and short videos to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Flickr streams.

Shawn Low has been planning, tracking, recording, and sharing his travels throughout Southeast Asia, China and Australia for Lonely Planet. Follow his tweets at @shawnlow .

Travel smart, stay safe, and make the most of your time on the road with Lonely Planet's Best Ever Travel Tips.

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Sharing Personal Stories: How to Connect with Others and Find Meaning

In the digital age where connections are virtually built, one classical method of building meaningful relations has not lost its value - the sharing of personal stories. Narrating our lived experiences, feelings, dreams, and even fears help in humanizing our persona, making us relatable to others. But, the art goes beyond simple narration. This article aims to explore the nuances of sharing personal stories, the meaning we derive from this exchange, and how we can enhance this art of sharing to make our connections deeper and more meaningful.

Understanding the Power of Personal Stories

Personal stories have a powerful impact on the human psyche, as they engage audiences at an emotional and cognitive level. They incorporate personal experiences, emotions, and perspectives making them unique and impactful.

But what makes them compelling? How do they foster human connection and shape our identity?

The Role of Storytelling in Human Connection

Human brains are wired for stories. From ancient times, storytelling has been utilized to perpetuate cultural values, pass wisdom across generations, or to simply entertain. Connection through storytelling stems from its ability to elicit empathy, understood as the capacity to resonate with the feelings of another.

When we listen to personal stories, we are transported into the shoes of the storyteller. We experience their joys, sorrows, triumphs, and challenges. This emotional connection allows us to relate to their experiences, even if they are vastly different from our own.

Stories allow us to take a look into another's life, enhancing our understanding about them, creating a common ground where we feel kinship and shared humanity . Through storytelling, we bridge the gaps between our diverse backgrounds and find common threads that bind us together.

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How Personal Stories Shape Our Identity

As we expose our intimate thoughts and experiences through stories, we also come to understand ourselves better. Shared stories not only help others to know us, but they also help us to know ourselves.

When we share our personal stories, we often gain new insights and perspectives. We see patterns and themes emerge, revealing aspects of our lives that we may not have fully recognized before. Through the act of storytelling , we are able to make sense of our own experiences and make connections between seemingly unrelated events.

Pivotal situations and cultural aspects of our stories often shape our distinct identity and enhance our self-concept. By examining our personal narratives, we gain a deeper understanding of who we are, what we value, and how we want to present ourselves to the world.

Additionally, personal stories can empower us to embrace our uniqueness and celebrate our individuality. They remind us that our experiences, no matter how ordinary or extraordinary, contribute to the rich tapestry of human existence.

In conclusion, personal stories have the power to foster human connection and shape our identity. Through storytelling, we build bridges of empathy and understanding, while also gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves. So, let us continue to share and listen to personal stories, for they have the potential to transform lives and create a more compassionate and interconnected world.

The Art of Sharing Personal Stories

Sharing personal narratives is an art that demands certain skills. The right ‘what’ and ‘how’ of the stories grow unprecedented interest among listeners precipitating meaningful exchanges while striking a chord at the humanistic level.

Personal stories have the power to captivate and inspire. They allow us to connect with others on a deeper level, fostering empathy and understanding. Whether it's a tale of triumph over adversity, a humorous anecdote, or a heartfelt reflection, the art of sharing personal stories can leave a lasting impact on both the storyteller and the audience.

Choosing the Right Story to Share

Familiarity with the audience, the context, and purpose of sharing are key factors that guide the selection of your story. The chosen story must bear relevance to your audience's interests, needs, or shared context for it to resonate and connect.

When choosing a story to share, consider the emotions you want to evoke in your audience. Do you want to make them laugh, cry, or feel inspired? Think about the themes and messages that align with the purpose of your storytelling. By selecting a story that aligns with your audience's interests and needs, you can create a powerful connection that leaves a lasting impression.

Crafting Your Story for Impact

An impactful story is more than a recount of events. It must reveal the associated emotions, teach something valuable, and engage the audience. The classic narrative arc- exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution- can guide your storytelling for the desired impact.

When crafting your story, consider the elements that will make it engaging and relatable. Begin with a captivating introduction that hooks your audience and sets the stage for what's to come. Build up the narrative with vivid descriptions, allowing the listeners to visualize the events as if they were there themselves. Take them on a journey, guiding them through the highs and lows, and ultimately leading to a satisfying resolution.

Don't be afraid to infuse your story with personal insights and reflections. Share the lessons you've learned, the challenges you've overcome, and the growth you've experienced. By doing so, you not only entertain your audience but also provide them with valuable takeaways that they can apply to their own lives.

Remember, the art of sharing personal stories is about more than just the words you speak. It's about the emotions you convey, the connections you forge, and the impact you leave behind. So embrace the artistry of storytelling, and let your personal narratives inspire, educate, and empower.

Building Connections Through Shared Experiences

Shared stories have a remarkable capacity to build robust connections. But, merely narrating a story does not guarantee that connection. A careful interplay of factors like empathy in storytelling and creating a safe environment for mutual sharing can enhance the relational outcome.

When it comes to building connections through shared experiences, empathy plays a pivotal role. Empathy breathes life into stories. It underpins our capacity to see through the storyteller's lens and experience their joy, pain, or struggle. When we empathize with someone's story, we are able to connect with them on a deeper level. This shared understanding bridges the gap between individuals, creating a sense of solidarity and connection.

Imagine sitting in a circle with a group of people, each sharing their personal stories. As each person takes their turn to speak, the power of empathy becomes evident. As you listen to their stories, you can feel their emotions, their triumphs, and their challenges. Empathy allows you to step into their shoes, even if just for a moment, and truly understand their experiences. This connection formed through empathy is what brings people closer together.

The Role of Empathy in Storytelling

Empathy is not just about understanding someone's story; it is about actively engaging with it. When we approach storytelling with empathy, we create a space where the storyteller feels seen, heard, and validated. This validation is essential for building connections, as it shows the storyteller that their experiences matter.

Empathy in storytelling goes beyond mere sympathy or pity. It is about genuinely connecting with the emotions and experiences conveyed in the story. By putting ourselves in the storyteller's shoes, we are able to tap into a shared human experience. This shared experience forms the foundation for building connections that can withstand the test of time.

Creating a Safe Space for Sharing

Sharing stories necessitates vulnerability, which requires safety and acceptance from listeners. Creating this safe, judgement-free space allows individuals to express authentic stories, fostering deeper bonds built on trust and empathy.

When individuals feel safe to share their stories, they are more likely to open up and reveal their true selves. This vulnerability creates an atmosphere of trust, where individuals can express their thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment or rejection. In this safe space, connections are formed not only through the stories themselves but also through the act of sharing and being heard.

Imagine a support group where individuals gather to share their experiences and struggles. In this safe space, everyone is encouraged to speak their truth without fear of criticism. As each person shares their story, the group listens attentively, offering support and understanding. This act of sharing and receiving creates a sense of belonging and connection among the participants.

Building connections through shared experiences is a powerful way to foster meaningful relationships. By embracing empathy in storytelling and creating safe spaces for sharing, we can create connections that go beyond surface-level interactions. These deep connections have the potential to transform lives, bringing individuals closer together and creating a sense of community.

Finding Meaning in Personal Stories

Our stories often hold insights about ourselves and our place in the world. Interpreting these experiences and the healing that comes through sharing forms a part of the intricate web of storytelling.

When we delve into our personal stories, we embark on a journey of self-discovery. Each experience, whether positive or negative, has the potential to shape us and provide valuable lessons. Stories allow us to understand, analyze, and derive meaning from these personal experiences.

Through the process of interpretation, we are able to make sense of the events that have unfolded in our lives. It is a form of self-reflection that helps us grow and find our place in the world. By examining the choices we made, the challenges we faced, and the emotions we experienced, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our journey.

Interpreting Personal Experiences

Stories have the power to illuminate the hidden corners of our minds and hearts. They provide a platform for introspection, allowing us to explore our motivations, fears, and desires. Through storytelling, we can make connections between seemingly unrelated events and uncover themes that run through our lives.

As we interpret our personal experiences, we begin to see patterns emerge. We may notice recurring themes of resilience, love, or growth. These patterns offer valuable insights into our core values and beliefs. They help us understand what drives us, what inspires us, and what holds us back.

Moreover, interpreting personal experiences is not limited to understanding our own stories. It also extends to empathizing with others and gaining a broader perspective on the human experience. By listening to the stories of others, we can learn from their triumphs and challenges, expanding our own understanding of the world.

The Healing Power of Storytelling

Storytelling is not only a means of understanding ourselves but also a powerful tool for healing. When we share our stories, we give voice to our experiences, emotions, and thoughts. This act of self-expression can be incredibly cathartic, providing an outlet for pent-up emotions and a release from the burdens we carry.

Through storytelling, we create a safe space to explore our vulnerabilities and confront our pain. By giving words to our deepest fears and insecurities, we begin to chip away at their power over us. The act of sharing our stories can be transformative, leading us towards acceptance and self-compassion.

Furthermore, the healing power of storytelling extends beyond the individual. When we share our stories with others, we create connections and foster empathy. It is through these shared narratives that we find solace, support, and a sense of belonging. The act of listening to someone else's story can be equally healing, as it allows us to witness their journey and offer compassion.

In conclusion, interpreting personal experiences and engaging in the healing power of storytelling are integral parts of our human experience. By delving into our own stories and listening to the stories of others, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. So, let us continue to explore the intricate web of storytelling, finding meaning and healing along the way.

Practical Tips for Sharing Personal Stories

Sharing personal stories effectively is a skill that requires practice and refinement. Let's explore some practical techniques to enhance your storytelling prowess and navigate emotional responses effectively.

Honing Your Storytelling Skills

A compelling narrative requires practice and a strong awareness of your expressive style. Pay attention to your language, inflection, pacing, and emotions to enhance the impact of your story.

When honing your storytelling skills, it can be helpful to study the techniques used by master storytellers. Take the time to read books, watch movies, or listen to podcasts that feature captivating narratives. Analyze how these storytellers engage their audience, create suspense, and evoke emotions.

Another effective way to improve your storytelling skills is to join a storytelling group or attend workshops. These environments provide a supportive community where you can practice your storytelling techniques, receive constructive feedback, and learn from others.

Navigating Emotional Responses

Sharing personal experiences can trigger a myriad of emotional responses. Being aware and understanding of your emotional reactions, as well as those of your listener, can foster an empathetic environment, conducive to meaningful conversation.

When sharing personal stories, it is important to create a safe space for both yourself and your listener. Start by setting clear boundaries and establishing trust. Let your listener know that they are free to express their emotions and reactions, but also communicate your own comfort level in receiving and discussing certain responses.

Additionally, practicing active listening can greatly contribute to navigating emotional responses. Show genuine interest and empathy towards your listener's reactions. Validate their feelings and provide a supportive presence. This will help create a space where both parties feel heard and understood.

It is also crucial to be mindful of your own emotional well-being when sharing personal stories. Recognize that revisiting certain experiences can be emotionally challenging. Take breaks when needed, practice self-care, and seek support from trusted friends or professionals if necessary.

The Impact of Personal Stories on Others

The magic of storytelling lies not only in the joy of sharing but also in the change it can bring about in others. Inspiring change and strengthening relationships through shared stories encapsulates the transformative power of stories.

When we share personal stories, we have the ability to touch the hearts and minds of those who listen. These stories have the power to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and inspire action. Whether it's a tale of triumph over adversity or a heartfelt account of personal growth, personal stories have the potential to create a lasting impact.

Inspiring Change Through Storytelling

Personal stories can be profoundly inspiring and motivational. They can spark change in others, encouraging them to undertake new challenges or change their perspective. A story about overcoming fear and taking risks, for example, may inspire someone to step out of their comfort zone and pursue their dreams.

Moreover, personal stories can serve as a source of hope and inspiration for individuals facing similar struggles. When someone hears a story of someone who has overcome similar obstacles, it can give them the courage and belief that they too can overcome their own challenges. This newfound sense of empowerment can lead to positive change in their lives.

Strengthening Relationships Through Shared Stories

Sharing personal stories can foster stronger empathy, trust, and understanding, thereby strengthening relationships. When we open up and share our experiences with others, we create a space for vulnerability and connection. Through storytelling, we invite others into our world, allowing them to see a different side of us.

These shared stories create a sense of intimacy and closeness between individuals. When we listen to someone's personal story, we are given a glimpse into their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This deepens our understanding of them and helps us build a stronger bond.

Furthermore, when we share our stories, we create a platform for others to share their own. This reciprocal exchange of personal narratives fosters a sense of trust and mutual support within a community. It allows individuals to feel heard, validated, and understood, ultimately enriching our social experiences.

In conclusion, sharing personal stories serves as a vehicle for connecting, finding meaning, and inspiring change. It's an art, a therapy, and a tool for empowerment rolled into one. By sharing our stories, we have the power to touch the lives of others and create a ripple effect of positive change.

If you're interested in exploring the power of storytelling for mental wellbeing, Aura Health App provides convenient and accessible ways to learn, grow, and connect through the universal language of stories. Through guided storytelling exercises and a supportive community, Aura Health App can help you harness the transformative power of personal narratives.

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How to Share Your Mental Health Journey with Others

Have you ever felt alone and overwhelmed while navigating the challenges of mental health? You’re not alone. Sharing your mental health journey with others can be a powerful way to connect, heal, and empower both yourself and those around you.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of opening up about your mental health experiences, from breaking down stigmas to building supportive communities. We’ll also provide practical tips on how to share your story in a way that resonates with others and fosters meaningful connections.

Imagine the impact of your story on someone else’s life – offering hope, encouragement, and a sense of camaraderie. By sharing your journey, you can create a ripple effect of understanding and compassion that extends beyond your immediate circle, helping others realize they’re not alone in their struggles.

So, let’s dive in and learn how to share your mental health journey effectively and safely, allowing you to inspire and uplift others while enhancing your own well-being. Read on to discover the transformative power of your story and how it can change lives, including your own.

The Benefits of Sharing Your Mental Health Journey

Sharing your mental health journey can be a transformative experience, providing numerous benefits for both the sharer and their audience.

By opening up about their experiences, individuals can find a sense of catharsis and self-acceptance, as they embrace their story and its impact on their lives. This vulnerability often fosters deeper connections with others who may relate to their experiences, leading to the formation of supportive communities where people can offer understanding and empathy. Additionally, sharing one’s mental health journey helps to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues, encouraging open conversations and raising awareness about the challenges many people face.

Ultimately, sharing one’s story can inspire hope and resilience in others, showing that it is possible to overcome adversity and lead a fulfilling life despite mental health challenges.

• Reducing stigma : By openly discussing mental health experiences, you can help break down stereotypes, misconceptions, and negative attitudes, fostering a more understanding and accepting environment.
• Building connections : Sharing your story can help you form meaningful connections with others who have similar experiences, creating a sense of belonging and understanding.
• Encouraging others : Your journey may inspire hope and resilience in others facing mental health challenges, showing them that recovery and progress are possible.
• Gaining support : Opening up about your experiences can lead to increased support from friends, family, and mental health professionals, improving your coping strategies and overall well-being.
• Enhancing self-awareness : Reflecting on your mental health journey can deepen your understanding of your emotions, triggers, and coping mechanisms, enabling you to better manage your mental health.
• Developing empathy : Sharing your story can cultivate empathy in those who listen, fostering greater compassion and understanding for those facing mental health challenges.
• Promoting mental health awareness : By discussing your experiences, you can contribute to a broader conversation about mental health, encouraging others to seek help, support, or resources when needed.
• Empowering others : Your story may empower others to share their own experiences, creating a ripple effect that helps destigmatize mental health and promote a more supportive culture.
• Personal growth : Sharing your journey can be a cathartic experience that helps you process and make sense of your experiences, fostering healing and personal growth.
• Advocacy : Your story can raise awareness of specific mental health issues, treatments, or resources, potentially influencing policy, funding, or public opinion in a way that benefits others facing similar challenges.

Preparation for Sharing Your Story

Preparation is valuable and it starts with questions like the following:

• Why do you want to share your story?
• How will you share your story?
• Where will you share your story?
• When will you share your story?
• Who will be your audience?
• What parts of your story will you share?

Preparation also includes creating an outline or script to help you stay on track while speaking. If someone interrupts with a question or you are distracted, a script will help you quickly pick up where you left off. Preparation helps you scale the information you want to share, which may differ depending on the audience.

Defining Your Why

Why do you want to share your story? The answer can tell you if sharing your mental health journey is a good idea. If your answer is “because I want to be in the limelight or to gain social media followers,” you should avoid sharing. A better answer is, “to help others see that if I can do it, anyone can do it,” or “because it helps me maintain recovery.”

Take time to brainstorm the reasons you want to share your story. 

Defining Your How

Speaking to groups of people in a particular event space was once the only way to share your story. Today, there are numerous platforms for sharing with small, medium, or super-sized groups. For example,

• Social media posts or videos
• Social media livestreams
• Live events and conferences
• Small groups
• Publish a book
• Submit your story to the National Alliance on Mental Illness

The platform you choose is the one you feel most comfortable with and is easy to use. If you have the gift of writing, start a blog, or self-publish your book. If savvy with social media, create a page for followers.

Defining Your Where

Sometimes, deciding where to share your story may not be an option. If invited to speak to a class or special group, you will go where they are and utilize the space they provide. Even if you record a video to post online, you must choose a location. Whether you prefer your closet at home or a well-known community landmark, you must ensure the area will help you tell your story. 

The good news is that there are numerous options for sharing online and in your community.

Defining Your When

Will you share your mental health journey during a portion of a larger event, like a conference with a pre-arranged day and time? Will you be the one deciding when it will happen? Maybe you want to share on World Mental Health Day. Defining your “when” is simple but a critical part of sharing your story. Your audience must know when to show up.

Defining Your Who

Whom do you want in your audience? Do you feel more comfortable telling your story to teens, college students, single moms, or the elderly? Everyone has a group of people they connect with the best, which usually depends on what you are going through in your life now. 

When sharing your mental health journey, pick an audience that can benefit the most. If you have been in recovery for two years, speaking to people who have been in recovery for five years may not be as productive as speaking to people who are just beginning their mental health recovery journey.

Create a niche for sharing your story. You can start with a broad group and then narrow it down based on your preferred characteristics. For example, creating a “teen” niche might look like this: Teen, Teen Girls, Teen Moms, Teen Moms with Past Trauma.

Defining Your What

What you share may be restricted by time, and if so, you must choose the most impactful parts and scale your message. If there is no time limit, you should still deliver a concise message in a reasonable time. Audience members feel antsy, tired, hungry, and bored after sitting too long. Also, you, too, will tire of speaking. 

To prepare , write down everything you want to share and how long you want to speak. Practice what you will say in front of a pretend audience while timing yourself. If necessary, edit.

A Great Place to Start

Throughout your recovery, you likely learned you are not on a solo journey. Healing from mental illness involves support from peers, family, friends, and professionals. The same support can help you share your mental health journey with others.

Work with a local treatment facility like the Mental Health Center professionals who can guide you, offer feedback, and help you maintain positive mental health. Telling your story can bring up emotions associated with past traumas, sometimes unexpectedly. Although you know how to avoid a relapse, there is no guarantee. Members of your treatment team can help you process emotions to keep moving forward with your mission of helping others.

You may also be able to speak to therapeutic groups just beginning the recovery process, showing them that success is possible.

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How To Share Your Inspirational Story | Share Your Story, Inspire The World

Discover the profound impact of sharing your inspirational story. Learn where and how to bring your unique experiences to a global audience, and see how your personal journey can inspire, connect, and empower others. Your story has the power to make a difference – let it be heard.

You matter more than you might realise. Your presence on this planet has shifted the energy in the universe in its own unique way. From the moment you answered the call to life, your unique journey began, alongside billions of others each living out their one-of-a-kind narratives in this world. Your thoughts, along with theirs, collectively weave the individual storylines that make up this epic saga we call life.

And just like every epic movie would feel incomplete without a character or a scene, so too the world’s history remains incomplete without your chapter. The challenges you've overcome, the dreams you've chased, and the joys you've found are not isolated experiences. They are part of a collective journey, a grand tale of humanity.

You are the hero of your story, and your unique narrative holds wisdom from your experience that can shed light on dark paths, guiding and inspiring others . It's not just about you; it's about the role your story plays in the larger narrative of humanity, helping others find their way, learn, and grow.

That’s why your story is important. That's why we  want you to share your inspirational story. 

MANNDI WILKINS, USA  //   paws for thought | inspiring story about loyal friendship

I am so happy to be a part of this mission you have started, it is so amazing and touching to countless people out there.

susan greeff, south africa //   see me| what's really important in life

It is inspiring to read my story again to be reminded of what’s important in life. I love reading the stories of others and your magazine brings a lot of hope and inspiration during a time of uncertainty and unrest across the world.

missa zahran, jordon/palestine //   refugee & beyond | from 3rd generation refugee to world traveler

Honestly, I didn't expect this amount of responses, and how my story inspired different people in different places was touching. I felt deeply grateful for having this chance to live such an experience. It is a fact that we are all connected. We all feel pain from the same circumstances, and we all seek a normal peaceful life.

Where Can You Share Your Story?

Ready to share your story with the world? Daily Inspired Life is an international platform inviting individuals from every corner of the globe to contribute their true, inspiring stories. More than just a space for sharing, we share these narratives as guides, illuminating paths to a better future and a more beautiful life for everyone within the community.

If you believe your story has the power to inspire and uplift, we welcome you to join Daily Inspired Life. We envision this platform as a thriving, caring, and diverse community that not only connects readers and storytellers but also celebrates the richness of individual experiences.

• Your story should be a genuine, personal account of a significant incident, event, time period, or moment in your life.
• It should convey a message of inspiration, love, hope, positivity, and courage.
• The goal is for readers to feel a positive impact on themselves and the world around them after reading your story.
• Your narrative should spread positivity and contribute to a greater understanding across different cultures and backgrounds. Share your unique perspective on the world.
• Inspire people to live their best lives and see the best in others, fostering a sense of connection to the greater world and promoting unity and positivity within humanity.
• We especially welcome stories from people of color, indigenous peoples, individuals from diverse backgrounds, non-English speakers, and women. Your diverse voices enrich the collective story of Daily Inspired Life.

Nawaz Khan, PAKISTAN  //   village boy finds a way and pays it forward

It is an honor for me that so many people appreciated my story. These words made my day and these are the most precious gifts to me.

sheilla amanya, uganda //   POVERTY TO PHILANTHROPY| EMPOWERING ORPHANS THROUGH EDUCATION

Wow, I got to understand more about myself. I learned I am confident, focused, determined and ready to change the story of many people. In my heart, I felt celebrated and getting somewhere with what I am doing. When I received phone calls from all over the world, people congratulating me, I felt so excited. Greatest lesson learned is never to give up in life.

thomas corr, usa //   tiny dog, huge pawprint | how a corporate executive & his furry friend embrace change and unleash joy in life

I cried. My work has caused an impact on peoples' lives TO THINK DIFFERENT, THINK BETTER.

How To Write an Inspirational Story About Yourself?

Access our free 9-Step Story Plan with prompts to guide you through the storytelling process. For a more guided experience, join our next Write your Inspiring Story Workshop , which takes you step-by-step from drafting an outline to crafting and submitting your story for publication.

janine durso, usa   //   The Love Ripple | Learning to say, “I Love You”

I have been getting such good feedback from the story and video and I'm so grateful to you for sharing it! So fun and amazing!

ROSHNI RAI, INDIA //   RUN WITH ROSHNI | WHEN BREAK-UP LEADS TO BREAKTHROUGH

I was helped in everything with my story -  otherwise, I was telling so many stories 🙂 The biggest lesson is that my story is interesting and people want to listen to me.  In fact, everybody was congratulating me.

katie harris, usa //   FROM WANTING TO END IT ALL TO FINDING MY PURPOSE IN LIFE

Incredible coaching and help. Writing my story reminded me that “I can do hard things” and there is always, always hope. It was pretty amazing to see where I was before and where I am now.

How Can You Post or Submit Your Inspiring Story?

Eager to share your journey and inspire others? Click here to find out how to submit your story on Daily Inspired Life

READ MORE INSPIRING STORIES

Change your life by changing your thoughts | how a tragic accident taught me to rethink life | by lori gradley | inspiring story #196, threads of connection | how women weave peace in a divided land | by karletta marie | inspiring story #197, grandpa’s hammer | forging connections through stories | by karen ray | inspiring story #195, water is life | practicing ubuntu and showing collective support | by fathima meer | inspiring story #193, love. joy. peace | inspiring stories to light up your winter world, spreading joy, lighting up lives: how celebrating others brightens your own world | by ezekiel baskar | inspiring story #188.

Ooohhhh….thank you for this. I do have quite a number of inspiring stories to share. I will definitely be sending them through.

Thank you for sharing this platform to share inspirational stories with others. We all could use some uplifting sometimes.

If we all shared our stories we could learn so much from each other. This article has made me think about what I would share!

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Stronger by Sharing

Stronger by Sharing: “5 Reasons Why It’s Important to Share Your Story”

Bursts of laughter, tears of joy, sobs of sadness, love, grief, anger, it is all part of our story we call ‘Life’. It is a journey, a quest to pursue happiness. There are ups and downs , highs and lows, for some more extreme than others, but either way there are so many stories out there.

Stories that are worth telling!

With that in mind, Stronger by Sharing , a young and vibrant organization looking to change the world one story at a time, was founded. There is so much power in sharing our stories, but it can raise many questions: Is it sometimes difficult to tell our stories… to speak the words out loud? And does the world really need to hear about my experience?

The answer is “YES!” Here are five reasons why.

Find your Voice Sometimes you may feel like screaming your experience off every mountain top, but you do not know where to start climbing. It can be overwhelming to share personal stories with others, but if you are looking to communicate a message, you will find your voice, something you stand for. Especially when you start writing about experiences you have encountered, you will notice that the more you write about it, the more comfortable and impactful you can bring the topic to others.

By sharing your experience more and more, you will not only create more impact, it could help you feel empowered too. When you find your voice by sharing, you can be an ambassador of your life circumstances instead of a victim. You can show the world life is worth fighting for even though it is hard, because we are not alone.

Empower Others If you can empower yourself by finding your voice, imagine what you can do for others. The International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation reported a research they did on a psychosocial in-person support group for stroke survivors in the acute phase of rehabilitation. Participants could discuss the impact of their stroke, rehabilitation progress, and their views on the future. Research could not specifically prove mood improvements, but participants did rate the group to be helpful for recovery (2009).

Think about it, would it not be great to find others in similar predicaments and help them? Even though previously mentioned research could not prove significant mood improvement, let me tell you a story what helped me share.

I was scared. Afraid people would judge me for what I had to say about losing a parent to brain cancer, so I decided to throw small chapters of my story on an online blog. I thought a more anonymous environment would help me feel more secure and it did. Soon after posting a few blogs, I received a message from a mother in Australia. She had brain cancer and an eleven-year-old son. Never had she had the courage to talk to him about her illness, because she thought he might not understand, but after reading about my experience she told me she was confident he should be more involved. Where I felt I had missed out on valuable time with my mother, in a way I had given this young child an opportunity not to ever have to feel that way.

Create Hope Hope. Something most people seem to crave without even realizing, light at the end of the tunnel, something to fight for.

In 1989 the Oncology Nursing Forum researched the relationship between level of hope and level of coping response in cancer patients. That study significantly proved that the more hope a patient had, the higher the level of coping was.

Hope is what keeps us going and that mother in Australia not only made me believe I had empowered her , she made me believe I had created hope . And she had created hope, hope inside of me that by sharing my story I could help others understand. I did not have to be afraid to share anymore, because no negative response could take away the fact that I had already helped one person. Or two, a mother and a son. That was all it took.

It is the small differences in the world that can be of enormous impact.

Remember it Forever When I started writing about losing my mother to brain cancer, my number one reason was to never forget. What ultimately would become my book was not ready to be read by anyone else but me.  But it indeed accomplished what I wanted to accomplish: for me it was a tool to remember my mother forever and everything we had been through.

It helped me remember the way she made me feel, how she looked at me, the sound of her laugh, the sparkel in her eyes… By writing down my experience I knew it would always be there for me to read.

When my story it turned into a book *, it became even more real. It was like my mother’s memory came back to life. People who had never had the pleasure of being in the same room with her, were now talking about her (again).

Not all our stories have to be sad or depressing. Sometimes we need to share all the good that life has to offer. The great stories, the ones that make people smile or inspire to take action and follow our wildest dreams.

When I traveled around the globe searching for peace of mind, it was the greatest adventure I could have ever wished for. I kept a journal of all my thoughts, places I had visited, and people I had met! Never would any of it be forgotten.

Emotional Healing In the Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology , I found an article that stated: “The precise mechanisms through which a narrative heals are still unrealized (2009).” And then I read a much older article written over a decade earlier in the Journal of Poetry Therapy , which said: “Anyone who has experienced the ‘intensely solacing and curative powers of reflective writing’ would agree that indeed, writing heals (1996).”

Even though the mechanisms of emotional healing through narrative are mysterious ones, whether you write your story or you speak about it, I believe it can be of significant influence on our emotional healing. I felt so much strength when I realized I was not alone in the things I had seen and experienced and even more emotional strength when I saw I had impacted others.

And this is why I invite each and every one of you out there, to share your stories too.

By establishing Stronger by Sharing my beliefs became my mission to provide hope in difficult times by initiating openness, sharing stories and creating an inspiring environment for all in need of one. Let it be a platform without fear or judgment, where everyone can come together and share what is in their hearts.

Submit Your Story!

References [1] Gurr, B. (2009). Emotional support for stroke survivors: Share Your Story Group. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 16:10, 564-572. doi/10.12968/ijtr.2009.16.10.44566 [2] Herth, K. A. (1989). The relationship between level of hope and level of coping response and other variables in patients with cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum, 16:1, 67-72. [3] Niederhoffer, K. G., & Pennebaker, J. W. (2009). Sharing one’s story: On the benefits of writing or talking about emotional experience. In S. J. Lopez & C. R. Snyder (Eds.), Oxford library of psychology. Oxford handbook of positive psychology (pp. 621-632). New York, NY, US: Oxford University Press. [4] Adams, K. J. (1996) Journal Writing as a Powerful Adjunct to Theraphy. Journal of poetry Therapy, 10:31, 31-37. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03391495

Manon Rinsma-Leonard, MSc, is a contributing editor to Onco’Zine .

* Published in February 2018 Rinsma’s book, “ 13 Diamonds – Life Before Death from a Child’s Perspective ,” is available via Amazon and Barnesandnoble.com

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Published by MANON RINSMA-Leonard, MSc.

"Born in the Netherlands, Manon graduated in Amsterdam with a Masters in Media Psychology. When she was twelve years old, she lost her mother to brain cancer. On a quest to inspire others to find strength in sharing stories, she wrote her book '13 Diamonds - Life Before Death from a Child's Perspective' and shortly after, founded STRONGER BY SHARING, an organization that provides hope in difficult times by initiating openness, sharing stories and creating an inspiring environment for all in need of one." View all posts by MANON RINSMA-Leonard, MSc.

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Sharing My Journey

A conscious decision.

When I was first diagnosed a little under a year ago, I made the decision to share my journey on social media. I remember the fear and anxiety I had about my first post proclaiming to the world that I have type 1 diabetes. I must have typed and untyped my first caption 10 times before I finally decided to commit to sharing my journey. It was scary to take that leap of faith and be so open about one of the hardest obstacles life has thrown my way. Regardless of if the feedback was positive or negative, I knew I had to share because there is a lack of African-American perspective when it comes to living with type 1 diabetes.

The most difficult aspect of sharing your journey is the self-doubt that comes from the spiteful comments or degrading messages that you receive. Most of the time these comments come from people who are not even living with diabetes. There have been many times where me being African-American has been associated with the number one reason for why I have diabetes. People have blamed my ethnic background and put me at fault for developing an inevitable chronic illness. Living with type 1 is difficult enough but when you add your ethnicity into the mix, you find yourself battling so much more adversity. No one should have to fight for the right to have a disease and not have that disease be blamed on the color of their skin.

I remember one day specifically when someone sent a hateful message and I almost deleted my social media. I thought to myself, “Sharing my journey is not worth it if my mental wellness is being destroyed along the way.” That was a real turning point for me because if I had deleted my social media platform, I would not be helping or representing those that feel they do not have a voice. Adversity is an understatement when it comes to living with diabetes and being a minority adds yet another level of adversity onto that. You are constantly fighting for your words and your journey to mean as much to society as everyone else’s words do. You can never fit in so you are forced to stand out, accept your differences and try and make society accept those differences as well.

Born to stand out

My main goal is to take what makes me different and use that to speak to a group of people that might not feel they have a voice. For every hateful message I receive, I in turn receive a handful of positive messages. Other type 1s have reached out because they finally feel like there is someone they can relate to, who looks just like them and is going through the same exact challenges every day. To receive feedback that I am spreading positivity and hope to a group of people who feel underrepresented and misunderstood is what makes all the negative chatter disappear. To know that my words hold empowerment and give hope to those battling this chronic illness every day is what motivates me to continue telling my story.

At the end of the day, I really hope to display to other minorities that there is power in sharing. You do not have to fit a certain mold or represent what society accepts as someone of influence to make a difference. There are plenty of days where mentally, I have to take a break from social media because living with diabetes is a full time job in itself and adding the extra stress of justifying to myself the beliefs of others is too much to handle. I just encourage anyone to fight through the hardest days and share your perspective because your voice matters. There is never a topic that is unimportant when it comes to living with diabetes. We all face obstacles every day and what may seem like something small to you might be a life circumstance that someone else can relate to.

One of the best aspects about the diabetic community is that it is so welcoming and accepting. If you reach out to any type 1 influencer, they will respond and answer your question to the best of their ability. It is hard to take that first leap and share your own journey but the more perspectives we have in the type 1 community, the stronger that community will grow. I hope to continue inspiring and helping anyone I can by sharing mine. You never know what impact you might have until you take that leap of faith and let your voice be known.

Read another piece by Janae— Finding Myself Again .

WRITTEN BY Janae Gray, POSTED 03/16/20, UPDATED 11/19/22

Diabetes + exercise -, 9 bad diabetes photos -, life with type 1—a photo essay -, one day in the life of type 1 diabetes -, what is type 2 diabetes -.

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My Grief My Personal Journey

80 Weeks Without My Remarkable Mum

18 Months Without My Beautiful Mum

A little unique lady with a huge heart

" Mum, I  carry your  legacy in everything that I do on this painful journey "

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I am Furong Xing Naghten, a motherless daughter, an adult orphan, a sister, and a wife, who loves passionately and grieves intensely. I am not a professional or an expert on grief and loss, I am just an ordinary person, who is journeying through grief. I am not a writer or an author, I am really just a normal person, who writes and shares about my personal grief journey with others.

I have been writing ever since the devastating loss of my darling Mum

on 04 October 2022, as I have to write through my hurt and heartache by focusing on what I experienced and pouring my pain into pages, so it is personal, authentic, emotional, and vulnerable, and I also started to share my story with others, who are grieving like me and going through the same thing on this challenging journey.

Join me on my personal grief journey or share your own journey

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Discover the proven way to create better connections that alleviate stress and distraction....

...and attract and retain a diverse, satisfied, high-performing workforce and community through 

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗬𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗬 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗕𝗘𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠. 

KEEPING EMPLOYEES HAPPY AND ENGAGED IS HARDER THAN EVER

"A vast majority of workers (80%) would consider quitting their current position for a job that focused more on employees’ mental health." - Forbes, 10/8/20

Personal hardship and societal problems make it hard to bring your best self to work every day. 

The absence of small supportive interactions has had a huge impact on well being. To retain high-performing employees and reduce absences, 

employers need to be intentional about creating opportunities for easy and meaningful interaction.

WHAT IS 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗬𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗬 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗕𝗘𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠?

ShareMyJourney.org connects caring people 1:1 by phone and in small groups online to share knowledge and life experience when a person needs it, widening their circle of support. With ShareMyJourney.org, employees are not alone when hardship arises and can give and receive support at their convenience. 

One authentic, brief exchange helps the wellbeing of two people.

THE BENEFITS - HIGHLY PERSONALIZED FOR EACH EMPLOYEE

✨ Connection tailored to you

✨ Confidential between two people who have experienced a similar situation

✨ Widens your circle of support

✨ Easy. Purposeful. Enjoyable.

HOW IT WORKS - NO SOFTWARE NEEDED. SIMPLICITY OF EMAIL AND PHONE.

1. Employees opt-in by email. Employers purchase memberships.

2. Employee communicates preferences by speaking with an assigned Caring Connector. 

3. Employee connects when needed and controls participation.

TESTIMONIALS - MEMBER SATISFACTION SURVEYS 2020

“Exactly what I needed at exactly the right time.”

“All of us have wisdom to share, yet also need help.”

“It feels so good to grow and to help. I love that both can co-exist!”

“It feels good to be connected to supportive people.”

“It was so validating and empowering to speak with someone who has had a similar journey.”

“In the age of social media, virtual meetings and online relationships I have never felt a more authentic and genuine connection with ‘strangers’ and new friends!”

ENDLESS TOPICS - CAREER. HEALTH. FAMILY. LIFE.

Parenting. Eldercare. Grief and Loss. Cancer. Divorce. Anxiety. Retirement. And more...

[email protected]

Rebecca P. Cohen, Founder, ShareMyJourney.org

Copyright © 2019-2022 Sharemyjourney.org - All Rights Reserved.

I was a single foster parent. I ended up adopting my first placement.

• I've always wanted kids but never found a partner to build a family with. 
• I became a licensed foster parent and four months later a 2-week-old baby was placed with me.
• Days before her first birthday I legally adopted her. 

I had always wanted kids. When it seemed like I would never find Mr. Right , I decided to build my family alone. I learned about fostering and became a licensed foster parent . I felt I had a good support team with my sister and a few close friends. Surprisingly, my boss said he was on board with the idea, though he wasn't much of a family person.

Just four months after being licensed, a two-week-old girl was placed in my home on a Friday afternoon in February. I was over the moon at the idea of raising a newborn though I knew it might be only temporary.

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After getting settled over the weekend, I had to figure out what to do about my job as a leasing agent for an apartment complex. I had very little PTO , and the baby was too young to go to day care. With my boss's approval, I decided to take her to work temporarily. The baby slept under my desk and my receptionist would watch her while I showed apartments to prospective tenants.

I almost lost my job

The arrangement only lasted a couple of weeks before my boss gave me an ultimatum: either find somewhere else to leave the baby, or I would lose my job. He refused to allow me to use my vacation time or unpaid leave, saying I was needed at work. Though I knew it was illegal to refuse time off for someone who had gone through childbirth, I wasn't sure fostering worked the same way. I had to find a solution now.

I found a day care that would take a 4-week-old baby, which allowed me to go back to work. I began job-hunting and soon found a position with a more understanding employer.

The birth mom eventually gave up her rights

My next challenge came with the baby's one-hour visits with her mother once a week. Though foster parents aren't required to transport the children to parental visits, my caseworker threatened to remove the baby from my care if I refused. My heart filled with fear, I agreed immediately though I didn't know how I could make it work. My sister later offered to help transport the baby every other week, solving another problem.

I had no idea what would happen with the baby in the long term. The mother wasn't meeting the requirements to have the baby returned to her and finally decided to give up her rights. The team changed the plan to adoption. As the foster parent, I had the right to seek adoption. In many cases, the foster parents are granted adoption rights, but I knew I had a challenge to prove I was a better choice than a two-parent home.

The process lasted several months, and I was anxious about losing this child I had come to love as my own. Though I had friends to share my struggles with, I still felt alone. They couldn't understand the overwhelming fear of loss that I dealt with. Fortunately, the team approved me as the adoptive parent.

On a warm, sunny day in February, two days before her first birthday, I stood with my little girl in front of the judge who approved the adoption . The challenges of the past year faded away as I held my new daughter in my arms.

Though new challenges awaited, I would face them with the same faith and determination as an example to my daughter about overcoming difficult odds together.

Watch: The truth behind the experimental therapy that kids say starts with 'legalized kidnapping'

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