Why by Lori Clarke Epi. 68
Lori Clarke
Why I Started This Podcast: Discovering That Every Story Matters
Hey there! I'm Lori Clarke, and I host a podcast where I chat with people from all walks of life, digging into their experiences and what makes them tick. But have you ever wondered why I even started this whole thing? Well, that's what I'm here to share with you today. It's a bit of a journey, and it all started with a simple t-shirt and a vision I had when I was just 17 years old. Get ready, because it's time to find out why every story matters.
The "Enoughness" Awakening
Last week, something amazing happened. I slipped on this shirt from Voice Vogue, a company that celebrates diversity and wants to remind everyone to feel worthy. And suddenly, I felt... different. The shirt said, "You are beautiful. You are loved. You are enough. You are worthy." It might sound cheesy, but it hit me hard at that moment. I did feel worthy, I felt beautiful, and I felt like I was enough. It was like a light switch flipped.
How did this happen? It wasn't just the shirt, of course. It was a culmination of moments, experiences, and stories that had led me to this point. A point where I finally understood that I had something to offer the world, that my experiences mattered, and that, yes, I was beautiful, inside and out.
"You are beautiful. You are loved. You are enough. You are worthy."
ST
OR
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A Lifelong Struggle with Self-Doubt
Here's the kicker: I didn't believe these things for most of my life. To those who know me, this might come as a shock. I'm often seen as charismatic, honest, and vulnerable. I share openly, and people tend to trust me. But secretly, deep down in the quiet corners of my heart, I often felt like I didn't belong. I questioned whether I should be doing what I was doing, whether I deserved any success, and whether I could ever truly trust anyone.
This newfound feeling of "enoughness" was such a big deal. It was a miracle. And it made me want to share my "why" with you.
The Vision at 17: A Glimpse into the Future
Let's rewind a bit. When I was 17, I had this... vision. I was working at a cafe, washing dishes, when suddenly, I saw myself in my 40s, walking into this incredible building. It was white marble, gorgeous, with six floors. Each floor had glass doors with words on them: occupations, emotions. It was bizarre but also a beacon of light in what felt like a messy period of my life.
This vision would return every three to five years, always when I least expected it. I knew it meant something. It felt like I was chasing a part of myself, a light of hope in a time when I felt untethered, sad, and incredibly lonely. Everything felt like a secret. Sharing my struggles felt forbidden, and going to therapy for a year had consequences. It was as if the messiness didn't want to be revealed.
The Power of Story: Healing and Connection
So, why a podcast about people's stories? Well, it's because I've discovered the incredible power of story. Listening to someone else's experiences has been transformative for me. It's provided validation, answered questions I didn't even know I had, and helped me understand myself better.
Think about it. Even listening to Justin Houman, a Urologist, talk about men's health gave me something to apply to my life. He emphasized the importance of sharing your feelings and not hiding your emotions. That's a message for everyone, regardless of gender. Or consider the fitness instructor I interviewed. Their insights helped me navigate January, the time change, and the pressure to achieve the perfect "beach body."
The truth is, everyone has something to say, something that can resonate with others. And sometimes, it's in the most unexpected places.
Showing up for yourself is empowering
– Lori Clarke
Showing Up: From Fear to Freedom
One of the most pivotal moments in my journey was deciding to go back to therapy after many years. It was terrifying. I showed up with a whole cocktail of emotions:
Terror
Fear
Insecurity
Unworthiness
Doubt
Anxiety
Sadness
Grief
But I showed up. I showed up to meet myself, face my fears, and start the healing process. It wasn't easy, and it still isn't. But I've learned that life isn't perfect. There needs to be a rub that challenges your thinking and pushes you to grow.
Unlocking Possibilities
The Podcast as a Manifestation
Looking back, my vision at 17 was a premonition of sorts. It wasn't about a literal building, but about a space where every story mattered and emotion could be discussed. The podcast became that space. A place where I could connect with others, learn from their experiences, and create something meaningful.
The possibilities are endless. The podcast covers various topics and guests, from urologists to fitness instructors to memoir writers. And with each conversation, I'm unlocking something new, not just for myself, but for my listeners.
Words Matter: Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs
Have you ever stopped to think about the power of words? Words can build us up, but they can also tear us down. They can shape our self-perception and limit our potential. I know this firsthand.
For years, I carried around limiting beliefs that were planted by the words of others. I learned to be quiet, to hide my true self, to believe that I wasn't enough. But in recent months, I've realized I don't need to speak poorly about those who have harmed me. I can be honest without disempowering or hurting others.
So, I ask you: Do you believe that you are what people say you are?
Taking Back Your Sacred Space
Let's use an analogy. Think of your life as a home. You wouldn't just invite anyone off the street into your house, would you? You protect your home, your belongings, your personal space. So why don't we do the same with our emotions, bodies, and hearts?
I realized that I had been letting people into my "sacred space" and allowing them to take what they wanted. They'd emotionally dump on me, expect things from me, and disregard my boundaries. It was time to reclaim my power, set healthy boundaries, and protect myself from being drained.
I'm learning that I no longer need to be in survival mode. I'm in a committed, safe, and equitable relationship. I've built a beautiful life. I can finally take back the girl who was always in survival mode.
The Impact of Guests: Two Transformative Encounters
Two guests, in particular, have had a profound impact on my journey:
Ilene Leshinski
Eileen's words, "You are not their shame," hit me like a ton of bricks. It was a revelation. I realized that I wasn't responsible for the negative emotions that others had projected onto me. That was their shame, not mine.
Suzi Nance
Suzy challenged my long-held belief that I was a "dirt person," someone who wasn't smart or valuable. She pointed out my successes, nurturing qualities, and the fantastic family I had created. She made me realize that I had never truly believed that "dirt person" narrative. It was all just bullshit.
Five Reasons to Find Yourself Again (No Matter Your Age)
So, how can you find yourself again, no matter how old you are? Here are five reasons:
You Absolutely Deserve It: You deserve a life where you feel beautiful, loved, enough, and worthy. You deserve to connect with your body and practice self-compassion.
Joy is Okay and Joy is For You: Carrying others' burdens prevents you from experiencing joy and freedom. Allow yourself to be happy, even when others are suffering.
(Pause for Reflection): Take a moment to reflect on these truths:
I am not their pain.
I do not have to carry the burden of others.
I Am Not Who You Think I Am: Who You Think I Am is a Reflection of You: People's perceptions of you often reflect their own insecurities and beliefs. Don't internalize their labels.
We All Have Core Beliefs: Challenge the limiting core beliefs that are holding you back. You are not defined by your past experiences.
The Journey Continues: Empowerment Through Story
My mission with this podcast is to empower people to find themselves in everyday living. To discover simplicity and gratitude, even in the midst of chaos.
I'm excited about the upcoming "Shame Out Loud" series, where I'll be sharing my writings about shame reclamation and bringing on guests to discuss their experiences. I'm also passionate about "Simply Gratitude Life," a brand where I share the joys of my everyday living.
And yes, I'm still loving that Voice Vogue shirt!
Conclusion
Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story. I'm incredibly grateful for your support and for being a part of this journey with me. Remember, your story matters. And if you're interested in sharing your story on the podcast, please reach out!
I'm here to share the stories of others, and to encourage you to find yourself in everyday living.