We Keep Our Secrets and Our Secrets Keep Us.

I’ve been reading Post Secret for about four years now. All five books and every Sunday morning…without fail.

I’ve posted about it here multiple times, because yeah, I’m addicted.

This past week they had a Post Secret event at the University of Utah. Frank Warren, the guy behind it all, travels around the country sharing the tale of Post Secret, secrets that have never been published and allowing people to share their secrets live.

It was amazing, as expected. Frank was amazing.

Joan E, Cookie and Tal went with me

#1 secret he receives – People pee in the shower.
You are lying if you say you haven’t.
#2 secret he receives – People wish they had someone to share their secrets with.
Perhaps, about sharing their secret of peeing in the the shower? Ya never know.
#3 secret he receives – Loneliness, self harm, thoughts of suicide.
Popular culture does not reflect this. For every 2 murders, there are 4 suicides. More soldiers have died by their own hand, than in battle. Why is this? People are lonely and feel like they can’t talk to people about their secrets.

Sharing secrets, can save lives.

If you suspect some one wants to hurt themselves, ask them. Point blank. Studies show, they will likely tell you the truth. They want help. Listen to them. Without judgement. What ever they are going through is all to real to them. Do not be afraid to remove weapons, prescription medication, etc., from their reach.

My grandmother committed suicide when my Dad was only 18. It affected him greatly and I suspect changed the way he fathered us.

My (ex) husband’s mother committed suicide almost 12 years ago. I know it affected him greatly and changed him in irreversible ways.

I had to ask my (ex) husband several times if he was thinking of hurting himself. He was. I had to hide a gun and prescription medications, more than once. It was difficult, but worth my time to be there for him, when he needed me. I didn’t always understand it and some things I still don’t.

Something new I learned. Walmart is the largest retailer of hard media. Because of this, they also have become the largest censor. Book publishers actually censor books because Walmart may not carry them otherwise. Frank was proud to say, not one Post Secret book has ever been carried by Walmart, for this reason. I’m proud to say, I’ve never bought a single book or CD from Walmart, and never will.

Really, the best part of the evening was getting to meet Frank and get my one of my books signed.

Free your secrets and become who you are

Share one or more of your secrets.
Share them all.
Set them free.
Free yourself.

And, if someone shares their secret with you.
Listen, really listen.
Don’t judge.
Have compassion.
Be grateful they trusted you.