The Power of Authenticity

I had to share this story with you, not only to celebrate the incredible human being who is Carren Smith, but also to highlight the importance of staying true to your authentic story.

I count myself as blessed to have Carren as a mentor and dear friend and she has inspired me this week by showing us all the power of attracting the right people – those who genuinely appreciate and value the story that you have to share.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with her story, Carren was among those who were blown up in the 2002 Bali bombings. With tomorrow marking the 20^th anniversary, many survivors have been contacted by national media outlets with the sole purpose of asking them to recount the horror of that evening.

Carren knew this was coming. It happens every major anniversary – one year, five, ten and now twenty. People who have worked so hard to heal from the physical and emotional trauma of that day are being asked to relive it over and over again.

This year, Carren decided enough was enough. She had no interest in reliving that night and refused to be interviewed by anyone who only wanted to hear her talk about what happened the moment the bomb went off. Carren shared her Bali story in her international bestselling book Soul Survivor in 2012 and this was no longer the story her heart wanted to share.

Instead, she offered to speak to the media about all the healing, growth and transformation that has happened SINCE the bombing. The incredible paths that so many survivors have paved for themselves despite having to overcome such a major event in their lives.

Many chose not to bother and moved on to others who were more willing to scratch open those wounds once more. But I want to congratulate those outlets who chose to move beyond the need to focus on fear, terror and negativity and step into a message of love, hope and positivity.

Most importantly, I want to celebrate Carren for not bending to the will of others or feeling pressured to tell the story others wanted to hear. So many aspiring authors can be pulled away from their true stories because they feel they are not going to meet the expectations of others.

If you are compelled to write your story, or have already made a start, make sure you stay true to your authenticity. The world needs a lot more stories that uplift and inspire! 

If you are ready to IGNITE your passion and WRITE your book, grab a copy of The Mindful Author here.