Thinking Outside the Box
I am known for thinking so far outside the box that I have to have someone reel me back in. My love to create and then develop the systems need to support the dream. I love creating. Give me an idea, and I can give you various directions to follow.
If you are reading this, you are on my website. You can see the different things I would like to do to support others. My focus right now is my Redeem Thyself IG followers. I launched this account in July 2024 and now have over 4,000 followers. It’s amazing how quickly it is growing. I am having wonderful DMs with several followers. The purpose of this IG account is to support professional women who have experienced trauma and abuse. Yes, I am doing this through the DMs. But how can I take it to the next level; podcasts, having a channel, reels, virtual support group?
I am not a trained mental health professional. I am a very good listener and can empathize with those who have experienced trauma and abuse. I can share my story and discuss how I am overcoming and healing. I would love to learn from others, too. How can we move forward with our lives and heal?
I joined a gym in September. I have been quite distant during the cardio and strength training classes I take. However, not long ago I connected with a gym mate, Linda. Linda and I said we should get coffee and wound up going to dinner a few weeks ago. I shared my story with her. She was so supportive and told me later she had visited my website. She said I am “bold and brave.” At dinner, she indicated she has been lucky in that she married a wonderful man, has two grown children, and life has been very good to her. We now have set up a time to go hiking. Today, she sent me a text of something she read today. “Sometimes, I really do inspire myself. Like, damn, I went through allllll that, and kept on going.” She said it reminded her of me. How thoughtful of her to send that to me. Many of my IG followers have shared similar thoughts. Yet, allowing them to touch my heart is a struggle. I really have to sit with these comments and allow myself/my inner child to actually realize them; after all they are just words on a page.
I have to admit that in taking my IG account to the next level, I need it; I need to hear these words from the people I follow. Someone needs to shake me and help me feel the kind words of others. Maybe others also need to hear the words and not just see them in a DM.
I will continue to brainstorm and think outside the box so that I can provide a broader space of support for my followers and for me.
Pondering ~
Julie
If you feel so inclined, please reply with your thoughts.
Note: JM Lane is NOT a mental health professional, nor does she carry a license to practice medicine. Posts, blogs, and content are based on JM Lane’s personal experiences, perceptions, and reflections. By no means does any material convey what others should or should not do.