How do you decide which pieces of your story to share and where to share them? How do you know when you’re even ready to do so?

Today’s guest, Shawnta Jackson, is a master at using storytelling to leave a lasting impression. No matter the arena, this successful leader, social entrepreneur, author, podcaster, and single mother commits to showing up as the highest expression of her authentic self. That kind of exposure isn’t easy; even a calculated risk comes with a high degree of anxiety. For Shawnta, however, the rewards of repeatedly stretching beyond her comfort zone - and modeling that lived experience for her audience - continues to inform her life choices.

Shawnta and I discuss leveraging our overlapping personal and professional identities, when appropriate, in the stories we share and journaling as a creative tool for self-assessment. We also talk about sorting through the shame that often keeps us from crafting more compelling narratives.

Please note: We discuss sensitive topics, including domestic abuse. Listen with caution and, if you need to step away, I’ll be back next week with a solo episode.

In this episode, we cover:

• Navigating the in-between stages of life, where we no longer quite identify with the way we once did, but haven't fully stepped into our future identity,
• Journaling as a therapeutic activity and planning device,
• Taking action outside our comfort zones,
• Overcoming the shame associated with sharing difficult life experiences in the content we create,
• The evergreen wisdom of acclaimed mentors, and
• Deciding which of our personas show up where.

Visit Pattern of Purpose for full show notes and links to resources mentioned on this episode.