So maybe you are asking yourself, "Why does my story need to be told?"

The tragedy has occurred and now I need to heal.

Yes, healing is the next step on your grief journey and if you don't feel like it is appropriate to share with others, then don't.

That is right!

There were many times when I shared about my sister's story and her death only to be met with blank stares and "oh bless your heart" attitudes...

But another thing happened when I continue being brave and sharing my story...

I was connecting with others in a deeper way that I didn't even know was possible.

We formed this unbreakable connection now and maybe the person I shared with lost a child or a parent by suicide but we immediately gained something from having a spark of courage when we shared our story... hope.

Hope to continue showing up.

Brave when we didn't feel like it.

Courage to keep fighting for our own mental health and sharing our story whenever we got the chance.

I hope that you can feel inspired to share your story today because you never know who needed to hear it today.

Remember, you are loved!