7 Comments

I agree. Everyone has a secret, or two, or three. Why? It’s something we can’t share because we are ashamed of whatever we’re keeping secret. And of how we perceive the response to our sharing it..be that real or not.

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Ruth argues very persuasively that many times -- not always -- we can share these secrets and find relief from the burden of hiding them. But it can be very difficult. I get it.

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Thanks at Sheila-- definitely agree. Hiding is universal --it's exhausting and lonely. The key to connection is unhiding.

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Very powerful. Thank you both.

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Thank you, Elizabeth. I would love to hear what resonates.

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For Ruth and others that can share their secrets, it implies a high level of trust in another. For others of us, that level of trust does not exist. That’s why we don’t share. Largely because we don’t see the need. Secrets are ours and ours alone.

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Sheila--I agree and after understanding what you're hiding, the next step is finding one person to trust. It may take time to find, but they are out there. It can be a best friend, an HR manager, a co-worker, a faith-based person, etc. It's about finding your person. Sometimes even just saying it aloud is a first step and a relief. Since writing my book, I have had people share all sorts of things, they've never shared with anyone. So, I created a place on my website where people can share stories of hiding and unhiding. What I have learned is that we don't have to do this Singlehandedly.

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