TLC #05: Full disclosure

Read time: 2 mins

“The greatest advancements happen when we’re bold enough to speak our truth and listen to others speak theirs.”

– Kenneth Blanchard

Full disclosure:

I’ve been open about my health condition professionally for many years now. But it’s taken many more to get comfortable sharing this side of me online. 

I’m naturally a very private person. So sharing anything publicly – let alone something I know can be perceived as a weakness – has been a big step. One that still needs a deep breath each time I hit “Share”.

In my early career, this information was strictly on a need-to-know basis: as few people as possible, as little as possible.

I didn’t want to be seen as less capable or passed up for opportunities, so I pushed through and tried to do what everyone else did.

It almost broke me.

Today, it's a different story.

I’m comfortable with people knowing this is part of who I am.

It’s an important part. One that’s shaped who I’ve become, what I enjoy and what I care about. 

But it’s still just that: a part. I’ve always wanted people to see the rest of who I am first.

So why do I do it?

Those of you who read April’s newsletter on values will know that one of mine is courage. A few years ago, I uncovered another – impact.

When I’m faced with a hard decision, I try to ask myself the following question:

Am I being led by fear and worry, or by my values?

Until I could lay my cards on the table, I knew my impact would be limited.

👉 I couldn’t support other women facing similar challenges

👉 I couldn’t have a voice on the issues that matter to me

👉 I couldn’t challenge preconceptions and stereotypes 

👉 I couldn’t create the change I wanted to see

👉 I couldn’t be fully, authentically me

Last month, for Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes Awareness Month, I took things one step further and shared my story in an interview with Authority Magazine.

I shared some difficult memories I hadn’t thought about in a very long time. I shared details that even some of my closest friends weren’t aware of. 

The night before it was published, I barely slept.

Yet the support I received – from friends, colleagues, even strangers – was truly touching: 

So when hitting “Share” feels difficult, I remind myself of my why. And messages like these strengthen my resolve to carry on.

It was time to speak my truth. I hope it helps others speak theirs.

Read the interview

PS. If you read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts – just drop me a DM on Instagram @thelimitlesscollective.co or email me at [email protected]