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Mama's Gonna Make it: The Terrifying Power of Authentic Vulnerability

Mama's Gonna Make it: The Terrifying Power of Authentic Vulnerability

All rights reserved. “Mama’s Gonna Make it”

Anne: Hello, friends! My friend Sarabeth and I are thrilled to announce the launch of our podcast, Mama’s Gonna Make It, on January 13th (is this real life?!). Our intention is to hold space for heartfelt and honest conversation exploring the joys and challenges of being neurodivergent moms. We dive into the messy magic of parenting, the power of friendship, and the ongoing journey to embrace growth and authenticity.

Showing up as one’s authentic self sounds like a brave and noble calling one must only “decide and do.” This is wholly NOT my experience. For me, showing up as an authentic person takes practice, therapy-honed self-awareness, and yes, some bravery. I am many things: a wife and mother, neurodivergent, a musician, a white progressive woman raised in the South, and a recovering people-pleaser. Authenticity is a tough ideal for a social chameleon to unmask and hold onto. Maintaining authenticity feels especially daunting in public spaces—like launching a podcast and blog in the same week! Gotta love challenging our growing edges. That’s where bravery, practice, and supportive, kind friends make a difference. 

On that note, I’m excited to tag in Sarabeth with a question for reflection: What does Genuine Authenticity mean to you?

Sarabeth: Thank you, Anne! I’ll start by saying how thrilled I am about how quickly this dream became a project and now a reality. I also want to honor how utterly vulnerable I feel with our podcast launching two days after this column is posted. The “unmasking the social chameleon” imagery resonates with me. I’m always the same person at my core, and it’s also true that unique connections with people bring out different facets of my whole, existing personality. We each get to decide which parts to let shine and be forward-facing. By entering the public sphere, we’re committing to a facet, a voice, to share with the world.  My friendship with Anne brings out a specific part of me that I enjoy exploring, and I’m excited about allowing others to join that journey. 

From my position as a mother of two, a wife, a daughter, a neurospicy creative soul, an educator, and an enneagram 4, I crave authenticity. It’s important to acknowledge that genuine authenticity requires an abundance of vulnerability. In a world where authenticity feels refreshing, bringing realness feels raw and scary. Starting a conversation with listeners about motherhood, parenthood, neurodivergence, friendship, and self-growth is worth every effort if others are empowered to embrace their own authenticity. There we’ll be together, co-existing and basking in each other's uniqueness. *laughs* Idealistic, I know! If we’re able to be a part of even a fraction of that dream, I’ll be happy. 

Does any of that resonate with you?

Anne: Yes, SB! I love how you connect authenticity and vulnerability. It resonates my internal “truth” gong, and I can’t help but realize the times I step into the world most authentically - and take the biggest risks with my innermost self - is when I often encounter imposter syndrome and fear of rejection. Putting myself out there with the podcast draws similarities to the way I feel as a performing singer. I am blown away by other artists and their work regularly. Sometimes I ask myself, “what am I even doing here when someone else can do THAT?!” But truly, as the saying goes, comparison is the thief of joy. Singing, when I’m wholly devoted to the moment (not thinking about other singers or how I may look) is an instant jolt of joy. Similarly, doing this podcast has brought me so much joy! We’ve carved out a space to not only talk about things that desperately need discussing, but one where we get to do so authentically - armored in the vast grace of friendship. 

Sarabeth: Oh, man. Imposter syndrome is a beast to overcome. When doubt takes over, and we tell ourselves that we have no business playing big or occupying the space we are growing to fill, we end up sabotaging our projects, our art, or our successes before we even begin. 

Anne: We can show up as our vulnerable selves - with some layers of protection against the harsh corners of the world - and balance our earnest efforts with a healthy humility that doesn’t rely on comparison. Some of the most beloved artists aren’t technically perfect, but their authenticity resonates in ways we crave. 

Sarabeth: What kinds of art and expression would exist if our instincts were to reflect as much of our souls into the world as possible without fear of judgement?

Authenticity begins with small, brave steps—showing up, even when it’s hard. We invite you to join us on this journey of growth and connection on our podcast, Mama’s Gonna Make It, premiering on Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Together, let’s explore what it means to embrace our truest selves.

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