Chapter 1: The Courage to Share

Opening up about personal experiences can be a daunting task. Revealing your truth and confronting the shadows of your past requires immense bravery. I can attest to this, as I’ve published multiple stories, yet I occasionally find myself doubting the wisdom of exposing the misdeeds of my father’s family online.

Reading comments from those who resonate with my experiences makes me reconsider my fears. When I see someone sharing their own traumas after being inspired by my words, I feel a profound sense of purpose. My heart fills with gratitude and a sense of liberation.

The most crucial advice I would offer to anyone hesitant to share their narrative is that you do not require anyone's approval to express your truth. I often say, “TOSIRIKA,” which translates to “don’t remain silent.” The period of silence you endured was a chance for others to amend their actions. But did that ever yield the results you wished for? Only you can answer that.

Take your time; it’s perfectly fine to feel reluctant to discuss your story. It’s also understandable to want to shield those you care for, even when you harbor conflicting feelings about them. However, what is unacceptable is holding onto self-hatred indefinitely. It’s not right to protect others forever when they haven’t offered you the same safety. It’s important to stop covering for wrongdoings indefinitely.

Recently, during my time away from my boss's charity organization in Kenya, I encountered an extraordinary young woman. She is seventeen and will soon turn eighteen. At first glance, she seems quiet and is often overlooked. However, if you observe closely, you’ll notice her beautiful, fleeting smile, which can easily be missed if you’re not paying attention.

Although I noticed her, I hesitated to approach. I felt it was better to maintain a respectful distance, hoping she would reach out to me. I made eye contact, hoping she would sense my interest, but she remained silent. Even when I expressed my willingness to talk privately, she didn’t respond.

On my last day, I had nearly given up hope, convinced I had misread her signals. Then, while reading others’ stories under a tree, she approached me. Surprised, I initially ignored her, thinking I had misinterpreted her intentions. Before I could confirm my thoughts, she spoke.

“Can you write my story?” she asked, her expression earnest.

Before I could clarify, she continued, “You mentioned you prefer real-life stories over fiction. I have a story, but I can’t put it into words. Would you help me?”

I gestured for her to sit as I set aside the papers I was reviewing. She began to share her story, but I noticed a lack of emotion in her demeanor. How could she recount such painful experiences without displaying any signs of distress?

To connect with her, I asked if she enjoyed music, and upon her affirmative response, I selected a calming song. Playing “It’s Okay” by Nightbirde softly, I encouraged her to write about a specific moment in her narrative—the first time her uncle entered her room.

As she took the pen, I saw the first tear fall onto her paper, and in that moment, I realized she was truly alive.

“I can’t. People will laugh at me; they’ll think I’m seeking pity.” This was her fear, and it mirrored my own, a common fear for many.

I reassured her that while I could write her story, I couldn’t tell it on her behalf. She needed to understand that it was her narrative to share, not mine. “I will be there to listen when you’re ready to tell your story,” I promised. “You just need to guide me through it.”

Ultimately, I believe everyone has the right to express their story freely, without feeling the need for external validation.

Thank you for reading.

Let me know in the comments: What advice would you offer to a young person with a painful past who fears sharing their experiences?

Chapter 2: Finding Strength in Vulnerability

In this episode titled "If You Got Your Heart Broken, You Need To Hear This!" from The Mel Robbins Podcast, viewers are encouraged to embrace their heartbreak and understand that sharing their experiences is a vital step toward healing.

Chapter 3: The Power of Authenticity

The video "If He Pulls Away, This Will Make Him Chase You" delves into the dynamics of relationships, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself to foster genuine connections.