86. Self-Acceptance is an Ongoing Process. How to Unhide and Live More Authentically with Ruth Rathblott

Today’s guest is Ruth Rathblott, bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and an award-winning former CEO who is committed to creating inclusion for all. She speaks about her personal and professional journey through the lens of someone with a visible disability and shares what it is like to lead and live life without limits or labels.

Ruth was born with a limb difference and currently speaks on issues of inclusion and diversity, the gifts of being unique, the freedom of accepting your differences, and rising above life’s challenges.

Ruth left her long-time nonprofit career to work with leaders that want to broaden their conversations on diversity so they can create inclusive work environments, develop more cohesive teams, and leverage out-of-the-box thinking.

Ruth touches on disabilities, covering hidden differences, and otherness. Her story speaks to how we cope with feelings of isolation, our need to feel connected to others, the ability to rise above life’s challenges, and the freedom gained from letting go of shame. She demonstrates the power of living authentically and enables the recognition that our differences are our greatest gift.

In our conversation, we discuss:

• What she has learned about the human ability to adapt and figure things out

• What we can do as parents to foster self-confidence and compassion in our children, normalize the conversation around diversity, and learn to celebrate differences with kindness and curiosity rather than judgment

• Why hiding parts of ourselves blocks connection and what happens when we open up, become vulnerable, and share the not so pretty parts of ourselves with others

• How hiding and not speaking our truth fits in to the bigger picture of mental health, and how we can use our thoughts to live more empowered lives

• Why she believes self acceptance is an ongoing process and how we can lean on others for love and support rather than feel like we need to go about life alone

Resources:

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