A few years ago, my then teenage son was in the desert region of Idaho, attending a Wilderness Therapy Program.  Towards the end of his stay, I joined him in Idaho for Family Camp.  

He showed me many things he had learned while there…how to build a lean-to, how to start a fire with just a stick and a handmade bow, and…..how to find and eat lemon ants!    He claimed they really tasted like lemons!  

Naturally, he wanted to share his new found delicacy with his mom, so he fervently hunted for lemon ants – and found some.  Then, he wanted ME to eat one! 

At first, I was like “heck no!”.  But then I thought about all the hard work he had done while there,  and how important the relationship with my son is to me. 

So, I did it.  I grabbed a lemon-ant (those suckers were big) and put it in my mouth.  I swallowed it as fast as I could while running and screaming down the dirt path.  It was quite the sight to see…lol

And guess what? It really did taste like lemons!  

Even though I was disgusted to eat an insect, and super scared that ant would bite me inside my mouth, I was happy I ate it. 

That lemon ant brought my son and I closer together and created a great memory!

Let’s face it, sometimes it takes doing scary stuff to create the genuine connections with other humans we were created to have – that we need. 

It can be scary as heck, especially for those of us who have experienced relational trauma.   

Making  those soul-nurturing, authentic, connections with other safe people requires vulnerability – allowing ourselves to be seen in the essence of who we are with our honest and genuine emotions.  

Being seen and accepted by other safe people in our vulnerability in turn, helps build a sense of self and wholeness.  And as we gain a greater sense of who we are, we are more empowered to make deeper connections!  

I know first-hand that is easier said than done.  It take intentional effort over time, one step at time, with relentless self-compassion.  

And so this week’s Live @ 1:05, I will share tips on how  to step into that vulnerability with self-compassion and create the connections our hearts long for – and deserve.