<—– This is a photo of the trees and me being supermodel Awesome.

Down below is a video (vlog post) of the trees and me being not supermodel but superhero AWESOME. Seriously.

One year ago there was NO WAY you would have found me talking this openly about my story of sexual abuse and/or sexual identity. Both were shadows I was aware of, but that still masked a good portion of my light.

In today’s vlog though I’m as bold as a lightening bolt and it’s freeing as all can be! I openly talk about my stories of sexual abuse and sexual identity, and how I’ve been able to transform those stories into self-empowerment instead of using them as forms of self-victimization and shame.

I’m really proud of this vlog, not just because I mastered some iMovie skills that helped me cut off 3 minutes (I originally intended to keep my vlogs 10 minutes or under, so when this one came out at nearly 15 minutes I decided some editing skills were warranted), but because I am so REAL and VULNERABLE! I really feel as if I’ve gotten to a point that I’m open to talk about anything–regardless of the consequences or the negative feedback I may face. I’m just so ready to just be authentically me, all of me, and own it boldly and beautifully.

Take a look and let me know what you think! Share with those you think will benefit, and as always, feel free to comment about your own experiences with storytelling. Also, if you want to tell your own story, Our Stories Untold has a page where you can do exactly that (scroll to the bottom and there’s a form you can submit your story through). If comments are too out in the open, you can also email me at rachel@ourstoriesuntold.com.

THIS is what healing looks like (for me). THIS is what radical acceptance and self-transformation looks like (for me). I am a mere human being. Though I was fortunate enough to grow up with privilege and love and support, nothing outlandishly special sets me apart of you. THIS is possible for every single one of us, in our own special ways. WE can heal this world, one story at a time.

The only reason superheroes are so cool is because they vulnerably live into their unique powers. Secondly, I think what should make superheroes cool is that the reason they do the things they do is because first and foremost it empowers them to be more authentically THEM. If that ends up benefitting others as well, than rock on, more positive self-worth power in the world is what we need!