Overcome your struggles by teaching others what you learned

As Dr. Doug Lisle says often when quoting famous UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, "When you lose, don't lose the lesson."

I was explaining to someone I'd recently re-connected with (thanks to him seeing my website) that sharing learnings from struggles is my final step to overcoming them. I've spent years processing a lot of what I've finally shared online, like my video about eating disorder recovery. I know I’ve finally processed something I once considered negative when I can confidently share about what I learned, so others can benefit. My friend said:

"It's cool you're able to directly see the shame, pain, isolation, etc. give way to understanding, confidence, validation, connection, empathy."

This is probably the most touching thing someone's told me this entire year. He got it perfectly. I didn’t expect to connect with so many people after being public about my own struggles - I just thought people would take my advice and walk away. But people are reaching out and telling me how they too have struggled in silence, and now I feel closer to them.

Thank you. Thank you to everyone who, especially after my latest and most vulnerable video, reached out and shared about yourselves. I really think we are more similar than different. I get the privilege of hearing your stories. Now I finally have found the ability to share more of mine.