For 10 years I kept a secret. For 10 years I was consumed with fear. Until I decided to be me. . . Completely. Uncloseted.
I'm gay! It's so great and overwhelming to say that out loud especially because of the journey I've been on to get me here.
I was raised in a staunch christian household, I was practically born in the church. That and various other factors made it extremely hard for me to accept my sexuality. How was it possible for my family to accept me if i couldn't accept myself.
It's at that point I sought the guidance of Anelle. I was at a cross roads in my life and I just felt like I could no longer keep this secret, the burden became to heavy to carry and it was making me unhappy. The thought of coming out to my parents was stressful and gave me sleepless nights because I was convinced that they would disown me and even more so they'd be disappointed in me.
Those thoughts couldn't have been further from the truth. My parents and brothers response upon receipt of the news was amazing! I still can't believe it! My moms response stunned me the most as I was totally unprepared for it. She was the one I feared the most. They were all so accepting, so loving like nothing was ever said. My family said that they loved me, I'm still their daughter and me being gay wont change anything. I'm still the same person they raised me to be. They said that just like this was a journey for me, it too is a journey for the entire family because it was 'uncharted territory'.
I could never have imagined a better response.
Seeking help from a psychologist was very daunting yet well worth the experience. I've realised that being fearful is emotionally draining and it can stint my happiness if I give it that power. Also, people can choose to respond in a good and a not so good way and if I'm consumed with fear, i would automatically perceive them to portray the latter. Even though this was a 10 year challenge, I believe that it was necessary for me to go through all of that in order for me to reach this point. I am blissfully continuing on to the next chapter of my life.
I've shared my journey in an attempt to encourage others to take a leap of fearless faith and be the person they are meant to be... Completely.
Happy :) 27
I always believed that anxiety was apart of who I was and that it was normal to live with anxiety but that it would fluctuate with certain stressors. Initially Anelle taught me some practical exercises to help aleviate the anxiety I suffered from so heavily - sometimes resulting in panic attacks but generally always apart of my day to day life.
Through continuous discussion and becoming aware of my triggers I eventually learnt how to control my anxiety and better my life to combat it all together.
I no longer take any anti-anxiety medication and live a balanced healthy life. My life has completely changed.
Ashley Mendes