SEASON THREE - THE GIVING GIFTS PODCAST - EPISODE 3 - 10/12/22
SEEKING TO BE UNDERSTOOD WITH MELISSA CROUCH
MEET MELISSA
Going into this episode I knew a few things about Melissa. I knew that she was a bad ass, single momma, who got pregnant at 18 and raised a dope 10 year old on her own. I knew that Melissa uses social media to create a space that is authentic and her platform has not only brought encouragement and community for others it is also what allows her to provide for herself and her son.
What I did not know going into this episode is that Melissa would not only share her story she would actually invite me into knowing her and that I would leave with the experience of being known. There is something special that happens when people make the choice to be open and real and that is what you will experience in these 48 minutes. Melissa's story is so much greater than the labels she carries, degrees, or accomplishments. Melissa's story is rich in self worth and a commitment to learning and loving others and herself well.
“I have always dreamt that my son would know how loved and wanted he is. I hope he knows how much of a gift he was and is in my life. I cant imagine my life without him and I never would want to.”
This conversation shifted something for me…it brought to the surface some belief systems that I didn’t realize needed to be acknowledged. This could not have been planned or scripted. Sitting in that space with Melissa I was reminded that we are all unique, with differently life experiences, stories, and battles AND we are not alone… and we take up the opportunity to be real with each other something really sweet happens.
If you want to continue to learn more, connect, and support Melissa, I would encourage you to find her on social media @Melissaannmariee and If something stands out to you LEAVE HER A NOTE BELOW!
“Thoughts are just thoughts..think about it like the ocean. They just ebb and flow and if you can learn to let them float by and to actually be a bystander..an observer of your thoughts…I am NOT my thoughts.”
Grab something to drink, maybe a little snack, and get ready to learn a little, laugh a little, cry a little, and learn a lot! Invite someone to join you while you listen or think about who you can share this one with! I hope you will listen to this entire episode and I hope that you will share it with someone who might feel a little alone right now. And I HOPE you will go get SHELLEBRATE…the book that I fricken wrote!
FOR YOU TO CONSIDER
The hope & vision for The Giving Gifts podcast is that through sharing real stories, from real people, who are navigating how to use their gifts in this world it will spur on conversations and encourage you to identify your gift, navigate how to use your gift, and find courage to share your own story!
Are there any belief systems that are keeping you stuck right now? Where are those beliefs coming from?
What is something you want to believe for yourself that you can believe for the children in this world?
What is one thing in your life right now that you’re proud of?
Do something for someone else today, this could be someone you know or someone you do know. Get their coffee, bring a treat, send that text! Remind them they are not alone!
Need an idea of something you can do for someone else? go support shellebrate and get a book, give a book, or share the book!!!!
WHEN YOU SUPPORT THE GIVING GIFTS YOU ARE HELPING CREATE RESOURCES THAT COME ALONGSIDE INDIVIDUALS ALL OVER THE WORLD TO IDENTIFY THEIR GIFT, NAVIGATE HOW TO USE THEIR GIFTS, AND SHARE HONEST & REAL STORIES.
Follow @Thegivinggifts on Instagram!
