This is Why People Start to Heal the Moment They Feel Heard

And this is why KTHT was created

For a plant to grow and produce fruit, several factors must be in place, such as good soil, access to necessary nutrients, a weed/thistles free environment and it must be allowed time and adequate space.

The same is true for human beings if they are to become fruitful. How can they grow, expand and spread their wings to explore new horizons if people who are not developing and maturing constantly surround them? People who are not allowing each other to be seen, heard, and celebrated?

The main reason I’m writing this article is because earlier today I read Lady Teabird’s piece titled Do I Have To Flash You For You To See Me?, and it struck a chord within. Perhaps I could relate so much because life experiences repeatedly reinforced a belief that was ingrained within me since childhood — that my family would never hear me. I mean, truly hear me. It wasn’t until I started writing on Medium and a bunch of strangers gave my words more credit than my family ever did that my vocal chords began to heal.

When heard for the very first time, it can feel terrifying. Doubt creeps in and you wonder, “Is this genuine? Is somebody truly interested in what I have to say?” Your gut is telling you yes, but your mind is reminding you of all the times you were wrong in assuming that somebody would care enough to listen. But then again, it feels right, so you allow yourself to immerse into this strange experience. With time, it feels like your new normality and, through self-reflection, you notice the part you unconsciously played in limiting others from knowing who you really are.

I created KTHT at my lowest and it has now become a safe place for thousands of writers to spill their hearts out and feel seen and heard. I like to call it collective healing, because in this space, the very action of our being, of our inner universe, matters.

Most of us would trade everything we know and have to be seen because we want to know that what we say and do holds weight and is important. It may not make an awful lot of difference for one person to tell you your voice matters — but for an entire community of people who share the same struggles to recognize and celebrate you — I think THAT can have an impact.

Keep speaking your truth!