KirstyTV's video: Living with secrets shame and stigma

Hi my names Kirsty and my secret is that I have herpes, for 18 years I carried this secret and I allowed it to fill me with guilt and shame. I say allowed because I now see it really was a choice though for 18 years I didn’t see it that way. I carried my herpes diagnosis and secret around as baggage on my back. It was heavy, tiring and wore me down. It effected so many areas of my life. Like relationships, friendships, dating etc… my secret and the shame I carried infected every area of my life. When I got to the place where I could share my secret with the world, in a TEDx talk I gave titled ‘You’re only as sick as your secrets’ I felt the lightest and free-est I had in years. It changed me life in so many ways that I don’t have words big enough to express how it impacted me. What I would say to people is that sharing a secret ‘erases the shame and the stigma. When I shared my secret I thought I was at the end of my healing and what I learned through this journey was it was only the beginning. So much healing occurred through the process of sharing and in the years that followed. I would say to you that sharing your secret, your truth is the greatest gift that you can ever give to yourself. That you will remove the shame and stigma and feel lighter, free-er and happier. That it wasn’t easy but it was certainly worth it and ultimately was the path to healing and freedom. -------------------- Remember to subscribe! to our channel for more videos. You can join also join us on http://www.kirstytv.com/ to see what Kirsty TV is all about. Sign up here http://www.kirstytv.com/ebook-signup/ for a free ebook of 100 inspirational quotes and VIP updates on our interviews with celebrities, everyday people and experts. My hope is that you hear something universal Claire's story, that you connect with her raw honesty and vulnerability. Perhaps you will realize, you are not alone... I want for everyone to be at peace with who they are (warts and all) and to learn, grow & heal through hearing another person's story. KirstyTV.com is a safe place for anyone to share their story without judgement. We love and support everyone who is part of our 'Kommunity' and love for everyone to get involved. So please join the conversation on my blog (http://www.kirstytv.com/) and don't forget to subscribe to my channel. The conversation continues on facebook http://www.facebook.com/KirstyTV Twitter https://twitter.com/KirstyTV Instagram http://instagram.com/kirstytv/ Pinterest http://pinterest.com/kirstytv/ Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/102846956... I can't wait to connect with you, so let the sharing, healing and learning begin...