You're only as sick as your secrets: Kirsty Spraggon at TEDxMalibu

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[kirstytv]

Thanks everyone for all your support. It's 1 year since I released this secret and talk. 

I can't begin to tell you all the ways that day, month and year have changed my life. The year of X. Cause that is what I used to call my secret. I couldn't even say the word. It was quite a joke by the universe then to have me share it at TedX yes X lol. Sweet divinity in action. I look back now at the girl who stood on that stage and she was still so full of fear of the unknown. What would happen once she spoke those words. I felt nauseous all day, awaiting the moment. Wondering if the words would come out. For a motivational speaker who finds the words easily this was a tough day. It was the first time I have ever been scared on stage. The funny thing is once I calmed myself the words came. I said all I had hoped to say and more. As I walked off stage the behind the scenes peeps high fived me in a line, one of my close friends came up and hugged me and I wept. We laughed and I said 'well this will either be the bravest thing I have ever done or the stupidist'. From that 1st moment people came up to me and said 'me too' or shared their own secrets. It has been the single most life changing and life shaping moment of my life. I call it my 'Rebirthday'. Thank you to everyone who encouraged me to share my secret, who inspired me by sharing their truths. Those renegades and emotional nudists blazing the path to a life of authenticity and freedom my KirstyTV guests. You inspired me more than you can ever know.

A year on....I feel lighter, healthier, happier, fuller. My hearts not just full. It's expanded. I am doing my best work on stage ever. I am more vulnerable. My healing has sent out a ripple effect of healing in others and it is a beautiful full circle. The things I feared the most have not come to pass in fact the opposite has happened, my life and business are fuller and richer than ever.

So I will wear the ring I brought myself today. The ring is called my courage ring. I brought it shortly after I gave the talk to remind me that it really was the bravest thing I have ever done, not the stupidist after all.

I encourage anyone who is scared & in the darkness to take a small step to the light, to share your truth in small ways and feel the lightness that begins to fill your soul as I truly believe 'you're only as sick as your secrets' and 'your desire to heal must be greater than your fear.

Love kx

[tamarawelch]

I’ve had my “blemish” for 30 years. God blessed me with two children. They are healthy. Praises be to God! And it has been an amazing ally. I take care of myself better. It lets me know when I am out of balance and when my immune system is low. It has been my guide. What we think could be a death sentence could be our saving grace. And the saving grace for others. Thank you fur your truth. Sharing your

[dubstepfrenzy]

Good God thank you! You are a true role model. I’ve been diagnosed for 4 years and it’s been hard to deal with the shame. I am currently going through this transformation where I can be honest about it and just own my truth instead. This is what the world needs because the stigma is the source of the shame and it’s unnecessary as herpes is so common. 🙏

[katep.]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. If everyone could admit they had herpes, the stigma would disappear, because it's sooo common. And for most people the physical part is nothing more than an occasional annoyance. The stigma is by far the worst part.

[jessicacappello]

Kirsty more and more people are coming out in big ways about having H. It needs to be TALKED about. I'm 27. I've had HSV2 for 2.5 years. I came out to an audience in September at my college. I have some ideas for next semester, as well. Thank you for sharing this. SO much love for you! 

[stephanietaylor]

Kirsty - you are beautiful inside and out - what an inspiring TEDx talk! 

[honeybunnycalifornia]

I love your this video. Every time when I feel down, I always come back to listen to this again. It gives me power and take it easy for myself.

[caroltabas]

You continue to amaze me Kirsty. Thank you for teaching me about seeing the positive side of fear.

[AnneRiches]

Great gutsy talk Kirsty.   The picture on the outside does not always tell a thousand words. People are brilliant at covering up what lies beneath. That's why leaders have to be prepared to listen harder, question more, and think deeply about the 'people challenges' they have at work - their empathy and compassion as well as their wisdom, guidance and support will bring far better results than the 'not my problem' approach.

[zaree]

Love your courageous spirit. Your an incredible inspiration to me every single day and I am so blessed to have had the pleasure to meet you x

[mgmail]

It's one thing to release your secret when you have friends and family that love you like you. If you don't or if your family is ultra critical, never there for you in times of trouble and would never show an ounce of sympathy or understanding it's easier to keep it all in rather than face more criticism, ostracism and hate.

[joandellavalle]

This is amazing Kristy . you are an inspiration

[MariaCarlton]

Just brilliant - well shared, from the depth of your heart, and it inspires...  love your courage Kirsty! 

[TinaSashWalker]

So proud of you for displaying such courage! :) You inspire me daily!

[northofyou]

If that's the hardest thing you've ever gone through in your life, you are a very lucky person.

[sulekhachandra]

Thanks for sharing this little secret. I have come across many people who landed up having cancer, disbeties, thalisemia, thyroid etc for want of self expression. sharing releases us from the effect it holds and leads us to healing and confidence.

[KarieMillspaughInspiredTV]

I adore you and your work!  Inspiring us to heal by getting our secrets out there too! Vulnerability = COURAGE!!!

[claudiaroberts]

I contracted herpes at 43. I have just lost a man I fell in love with when I told him I have herpes. I feel terrible.

[angelarenshaw]

It made me cry. Thank you for this!! You are a inspiration.

[tamarawelch]

Those who have this blemish understand that when we are stressed it rears it’s head. Thank God for signals.