I used to be afraid to talk to you about #depression, and #anxiety, and the struggles I experience, because I was afraid you’d think I was a fraud… that all my empowerment conversations meant nothing because I wasn’t skipping along happily through life every day.
More recently, I realized that: 1) many people who I thought had it all together, actually don’t, but they show up anyway, 2) there’s something empowering about realizing I’m not alone and can overcome my tough stuff, knowing there’s an example right in front of me, and 3) I am allowed to be human, and by sharing my humanness with you, you get to be a witness as I learn, navigate, overcome, and show up despite challenges. And that’s really empowering.
It’s a huge weight lifted to know that I don’t have to be perceived as perfect—not saying you ever did. That’s my stuff. Perfection was the standard and I fell short. No matter how much I achieved, it wasn’t quite enough. Eventually, I internalized those messages and began to hold myself to that standard. Since perfection is typically unreachable… or at best a goal line that keeps changing, I’ve spent the greater portion of my life feeling inferior and insecure.
I am grateful for my ongoing personal development journey that has led me into a new season of self-empowerment, and self-celebration. I am beginning to see my worthiness by removing the goal of perfection. I am beginning to see that no one (who matters) is expecting me to achieve that, or is holding me to that standard. And I want to thank you for helping me see that.
You may not realize it, but the feedback I receive here has been HUGE in helping me shift my perceptions of myself. So many of you see the real me and encourage me to continue to love myself and show up in the ways that feel natural to me. You see my gifts and all I offer and the value it is to humanity and that helps me to feel less alone on my journey toward living a life of purpose….. Actually, your comments and feedback have helped me to realize that I’m already in my purpose, and that means so much.
People will tell you that if you don’t love yourself, nobody else will. That’s total bull. Sometimes… better yet… most times a person who doesn’t love themselves comes to know they are lovable because someone shows them that they are. That has been my experience. I came to see myself and my worthiness through others showing and telling me that I am. Whether it was a therapist, an ex, a friend, or a through a comment on a post, I came to see myself…. to remove the lens that was placed over my eyes by those who DIDN’T see who I really am… those who didn’t appreciate me for me.
It was through interactions and external affirmations that I began to question what I’ve been taught about who I am. I began to look at myself differently and am NOW beginning to realize how much I have to offer, how worthy I am of all my desires, and to appreciate that I decided to show up as I am with a belief that I can add value to this world despite being imperfect.
Thank you for teaching me that I have value. Thank you for showing me that what I have to offer matters. Thank you for helping me remove the standard of perfection. Now, I get to show up honestly and authentically and offer more than I have before.
I’m not sure if you’ve had the chance to check out my new #podcast, but it’s my most authentic work. I am open, and honest, and real and I share a lot of myself, with the intention that you may see yourself (or someone you love) through my stories. Empowerment means so much to me because I went so much of my life without it. My current DAILY podcast this month is all about my self-empowerment journey.
I am freeing myself and sharing myself in ways I used to be so afraid of. I am pulling down the mask and allowing myself to be me… to be free. We’re only 8 days in (I haven’t recorded today’s podcast yet) but I am growing and having so many “aha moments” right in the middle of recording. And I keep them in there and share my epiphanies with you.
If you haven’t checked out my new podcast, I’m not asking you to try to get caught up. I mean, I’ve posted every day in May AND June. Let’s be realistic. 
I do want you to swing by though and press play on any one that calls to you, and if that one doesn’t do it, press play on the next.
This is my formal request to you to check out my #JOINMEJUNE playlist, or my #IMAYCHALLENGE playlist, OR just check out my Share and Let’s Live! Podcast on #SoundCloud and find the episode that is just for you. And if you enjoy it, please share.
Blessings!
Marlene Dillon Empowerment Specialist
Podcaster/Storyteller/Visionary at
Share and Let’s Live!
MDillon Designs & Publishing 