Who says you can’t meet really wonderful folks online? I have met so many fabulous people through social media, and in particular on Twitter. A few years ago, I started following @JoeyFortman on Twitter and I instantly loved her. She has a sizable following, but meeting her in person you would never know because she has no ego. She is also one of the most honest people I have ever met. From our early interactions on Twitter, I loved how real and funny she was. I started reading her blog, Real Mom Media, and I remember thinking, “Wow, this woman is brave, real, and vulnerable, and we need more folks like her.” One particular post of Joey’s that I loved—and to which I think so many new moms can relate—is the one when she shared her story of PPD (post-partum depression). Joey says it was one of the hardest and most raw posts but she knew she had to do it, and as a result she has helped so many others suffering from PPD. Read more here.
It was after the birth of my daughter, Ellie, seven years ago that I made the conscious decision to put it all out there too. Ellie was in the hospital at CHOP and I had dinner with my mom at the White Dog Café, a nice diversion. As we walked back to the hospital after dinner, my mom asked if I was okay. She was afraid I was going to “crash” with the stress of everything going on…a sick child with multiple disabilities who never ever slept, as well as two little ones (ages four and two) at home. I clearly remember saying to my mom, “I’ll be fine, Mom. I won’t crash.” I was definitely in survival mode, but I knew I was going to be okay. I decided right then that anyone that wanted to know about my daughter and her health and our life could know. I told her it was too hard keeping it all inside, and I needed others to lean on and, frankly, a forum to share. At that time, I couldn’t handle conversation after conversation that tended to be bad news after bad news, so rather than try to put up a façade I decided to open up. I think I fell into being my authentic self at that point. I now try to lead every day with honesty, integrity, positivity, resiliency and vulnerability. Life is so much easier when you are authentic because you can just be you.
Even though we share this philosophy, Joey is good for me because she sets a great example. She has many platforms, but one where she really serves others is on her Real Mom Radio show on BenFM. Joey is so easy to talk to and provides this platform for real moms to share their truths, and on a level that makes them comfortable. In my first interview on her show, Joey asked if it was okay to talk about my Ellie, so of course we went right there. This week she had me on again and she was so gracious, and she took the interview in another direction and so kindly really got talking about my business (I mean a lot about my business). No matter what she’s talking about, though, what I love about Joey is that she gets real. She shares her highs and lows and the challenges and joys of parenthood, among other things. I think her authenticity naturally puts others at ease, and allows her guests to share their stories in a really honest and beautiful light.
I’ve learned the beauty of being authentic and real…it feels so good. And I thank Joey for being a shining example to each of us to be who we are meant to be. Keep your eye out for Joey…she’s real, she has a great sense of humor, and she’s got a lot of great things happening.
