My identity was wrapped up in everything and everyone but myself. I lost myself when I lost things that mattered most to me because I had not taken the time to learn who I was, without all of the people, wins and losses, insecurities- all of it. My identity used to be my insecurities, my parents' advice, and other people’s opinions. I was unwilling to be decisive because failing would only exasperate my feelings of inferiority. So what was I supposed to do when the very things that made me feel secure in who I am are snatched from me? Fight. But, I was fighting the wrong fight. I fought to get my normal back, not for what I needed from myself. 

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A gazillion (okay, maybe not a gazillion, but a lot) therapy and lamenting sessions later, my focus and fight changed. I stopped battling with fate and started learning to tend to my own needs. I made a commitment to live life the way I wanted to, even if that meant failing at everything. Why? Because at least no one can ever take that away from me. 

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Does the world really need another blog or podcast? Maybe not. But, the world might appreciate a little bit of candor. Prior to this epiphany, I could not possibly fathom anyone’s life being worse than mine. These hyperbolized thoughts led me to do some research. By research I mean, scrolling through google duing all of my sleepless nights (and there were a lot of them). I immersed myself in grief affinity groups.  I was shocked to see that there are a number  of people going through a hard time. A really hard time, and they were stuck sitting in it just like me. Their messy life could not be summed up in a cute and catchy reel or tik-tok. We could not condense our messy problems and their solutions into a 60 second reel. There were even  people that hadn’t found their way out and did not have all the answers. Crazy, right?! But, I could not help but continue to ask myself: Why didn’t I know that people felt just as lost as me? My answer was a reality check, it was because I was not being authentic. The shame that prevented me from opening up, is the same shame that cost me countless relationships rooted in truth and authenticity. 

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So, I challenged myself to stop sugar coating the shame, embarrassment, and sadness that I felt and to be real with people. No more hiding. The more authentic I became, the more meaningful relationships I developed and the closer I got to healing. The raw conversations that I had caused my loneliness and fear of the future to start to dissipate. And that is why Brand"i"  is here. That is why this podcast and blog exist. To foster community and conversation around the things that are always left unsaid. This is a space where authenticity is embraced. We all have our own brands. You are the “i” in your identity. 

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Do you have something on your mind? Let’s talk about it! Be sure to send recommendations our way and subscribe. I am so excited to embark on this journey with you. Cheers to new beginnings and beautiful endings. 

 

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