Let Your Light Shine

In honor of International Women’s Day, I want to encourage you to let your light shine.

I’m continuously amazed by all the women in my life who I’ve connected with since experiencing pregnancy loss. I’ve always heard that pregnancy loss is like the most supportive secret club that no one wants to be a part of, which feels true.

But gosh, why does it have to be so secret? I’ve had countless conversations with women of all backgrounds who have secretly struggled somewhere along their journey of motherhood—whether it’s difficulty conceiving, pregnancy loss, termination for medical reasons, postpartum anxiety and depression, the disruption of new motherhood, the choice not to be a mother, or the loss of a partner.

All these conversations stay between us, spoken softly in the corner of a coffeeshop or in DMs on instagram.

I believe that we should not have to hide these struggles because we want to be perceived as professional, put together, or “perfect.” We should be able to speak our truths and be supported by our communities without having to keep it a secret.

This is one of the reasons I choose to share my story. It’s helped to squelch the sense of shame and failure I felt because of pregnancy loss by connecting me to this incredible community of seriously strong women who I would not otherwise know.

I was inspired to start sharing my story after witnessing another woman share hers. Each time one of us shares, it encourages another to do so and chips away at the stigma. This is how we can be a light to one another and shine brighter together.

Rumi said, “A candle never loses any of its light while lighting up another candle.” So let your light shine!