The Other Side Of The Story....

Last week, I shared how telling our stories — especially the successful ones — can be a big source of inspiration for others. I called it visible inspiration, and it’s true: when people see what’s possible, it gives them hope and motivation.

This week, I’ve been thinking about the other side of that coin.

Sharing success is great, but real growth often comes from hearing the whole story — including the mistakes, the wrong moves, and the not-so-pretty parts. 

Failure has a way of teaching lessons that success sometimes hides. And when we’re open about those moments, we’re not just inspiring people — we’re helping them. We’re giving them tools to avoid the same mistakes, or at least the reassurance that they’re not alone if they do stumble.

Think about it:

• That business you poured your heart into that eventually collapsed.

• The marriage that didn’t make it

• The loan you never should’ve taken.

• The opportunity you lost because pride got in the way.

• That thing you said that you wish you could take back.

• The bad habit or attitude you should’ve dropped years ago.

• The bridge you burned that you now wish you hadn’t.

These aren’t just failures. They’re life lessons — and when shared with honesty and purpose, they can light the path for someone else.

That’s a huge part of what mentoring is about: making the road a little smoother for those coming after us.

Honestly? Sharing our difficult experiences helps us too. There’s healing in speaking our truth — in letting go of the shame or disappointment and turning it into something useful. It’s a win for both sides.

Yes, it takes strength to share what didn’t go right. But when we speak with intention — not to get sympathy, but to shine a light for someone else — it becomes powerful.

So, let’s not be afraid to talk about the tough stuff. Someone out there needs to hear it.

I’ll leave you with this quote that sums it up perfectly:

"Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it." – Brené Brown

Your story — all of it — matters