13 Comments
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Shaunna Lee's avatar

I resonate so deeply with this article, I could have written it myself! The article in my drafts was titled "The loneliness of personal growth" - I'll just restack yours instead ;)

Nikki Kountouriotis's avatar

Wow! That’s how our souls’ work. They take us to the exact place we need to be in the exact moment we need it. Thank you for the restack!

Kathleen 🦋's avatar

I feel so much of this. I loved hearing your journey. It really can be so lonely to become yourself but not be sure how to share it with others.

I do feel there’s another side to this - that you can share your true self to people you have known, and it not be accepted because the other person is still used to the old versions of you. They still need to accept and embrace you, and sometimes they’re not there yet, and that’s something to grieve.

Nikki Kountouriotis's avatar

This is definitely valid. I wasn’t speaking to that issue in this particular article but it’s definitely worth bringing up. Thank you for recognizing that it isn’t always safe to show up as your changed self. But eventually people have a choice to accept it or move on. Naturally one of the 2 will happen.

Dawna Kreis❤️‍🔥's avatar

Oh, my, Nikki! I can relate to SO much of what you share here... Thank you! 🙏💖

Nikki Kountouriotis's avatar

You’re welcome. Thanks for sharing honestly 💜

Rohit's avatar

I’ve noticed the people who seem the strongest spiritually are often the ones finally learning how to stop carrying everything alone in silence.

Nikki Kountouriotis's avatar

The strength comes from connection. Not only with yourself but with others. It requires trust and vulnerability but is worth it.

Carolina Wilke's avatar

I see myself in there too! ❤️ thank you for sharing! It was never meant to be done alone!

I think my business was born out of my own needs to have a safe container to share my wholeness and reflect that back to others! No more silence!

Thank you thank you ❤️

Nikki Kountouriotis's avatar

I really love that! I feel good about building the same type of business. Where I can share all of me authentically from my heart ♥️

Carolina Wilke's avatar

Yes! That is the best! Lucky us ❤️

Janice Leung's avatar

I smiled when you described the awe, wonder, and openness of the rookie on the journey. I so remember that me! What I’ve experienced on my 13 year journey mirrors what you’ve shared here. So true what you said about how we create our own loneliness by hiding 🙏

Nikki Kountouriotis's avatar

So happy to hear you feel recognized in this. We were never meant to hide. Something I think many of us can benefit from and a reminder to keep sharing.