How Emotional Awareness Turned Self-Doubt into Self-Acceptance

Gaylemarie’s story is one that unfolded rather quickly and required her to rapidly adapt and cope. There is a lot of research out there on the power of social support in helping us through the most challenging times. Unfortunately, Gaylemarie was not able to reach out to her family for support. She felt that her struggles would not be accepted by her family and that by revealing her struggles at the wrong time would make things more challenging for her. Instead, she found support in the partner that she feared her family would reject. Not only did she rely on support from someone that she was only beginning to get to know, but she also relied on them during a time when she was questioning some of the most fundamental aspects of herself—and she did this after relocating halfway across the country! My discussion with Gaylemarie starts off with a description of her early family life, which helps to inform the struggle, the courage, and the strength that she has shown as she persevered through the current stage of her life. The last half of our discussion takes a turn that reveals strength, courage, and perseverance. Gaylemarie’s story is one that would likely not be told if she had not asked to tell it on True You! Stories like Gaylemarie's are why True You! exists, and I am so glad she wanted to tell it!