The Agony of Secrets

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
– Dr. Maya Angelou

This quote hits very close to home. When I read this quote, I think of bottled-up secrets. I remember as a child when my mom would tell me that I was in trouble. Most of the time I knew why. There were times that I may have violated a few rules, and even if I did not get caught the secret would become unbearably uncomfortable–day and night.

Why does an untold story bear so much agony?

1. It leads to the anxiety and fear of being found out.
2. It leads to other lies.
3. It causes sleepless nights.
4. It makes you sick.

The other day I bared part of my soul to my therapist. I shared something with her that I have been holding inside of me for quite some time. It felt great to say it out loud. It also revealed unbearable guilt that I still felt. The only thing she told me was that I need to forgive myself. I am not quite sure I am there—but I did sleep better that night.