Rediscovering Our Brilliance

Feb 7, 2018 | Life in Progress

Kelly Rae Of Sunshine. Krae. Kelly Belly. KK. Kelly Smelly. Mama K. Kel. Kellogg. KB (short for Kelly Belly). KRR.

Just a few of the nicknames I’ve been given over the years. I never loved the Kelly Belly or Smelly. I was a husky-sized child for a few years and the belly remark stung. In fact, when I was 10, some kids teased me about my legs while calling me Kelly Belly and I DID NOT wear shorts again until I was in my early 30’s. It took me over 20 years to unlearn something that I thought was true –something that some random kid (whose brain was still developing) said to me in 1985. Can you even? Now that I have a child around that same age, it’s impossible to imagine taking any such remark as truth, but when you’re a kid, these things make such marks on our paths, right?

I also had an art teacher in highschool tell me she was shocked that my drawing was chosen to be shown at a local showcase for student art. I never made art again until many many MANY years later.

Sigh.

Adults and kids alike. They say stuff. And when you’re a kid, that s**t makes a mark. A lot of my spiritual work as an adult has been the practice of unlearning every single mark and returning to my original brilliance that was layered up with mark after mark after mark.

It is such amazing work to be revealed to oneself. To rediscover the brilliance that is no longer covered. To shine and to rise and to reclaim what has always been yours. It requires sacred excavation. And it is deeply valuable, life-altering work.

Sending love to all of you. May we all take back our brilliance and shine shine shine. Imagine a world lit up with all that original essence. CHILLS!

Sending much love,

Show/Hide Comments (12 comments)
12 Comments
  1. Cherie

    I can really relate to your stories, Kelly. When I was 10 I started clarinet lessons. We lived in a rental house that was on a beautiful estate. I had just started lessons and I was practicing outside on the front steps of our home. A few minutes later the woman who lived in the mansion came over and asked if I could play in the house because her mother was sick and I was making the dog bark. I never picked it up again!! I know she didn’t mean any harm, but as a teacher and with kids a lot, I try to always remember that day. I try to use my life as something that will encourage kids (and others) to be empowered and encouraged. Thanks for sharing your stories.

    Reply
    • Kelly Rae Roberts

      Totally! We all have stories exactly like this, but those marks last a looooooong time. So glad I’m not alone!

      Reply
  2. Pam Johnson

    Hello KRR ! Just last night I purposed to get sessions on, the calendar with my therapist to address painful life shaping words spoken to me by a random adult when I was just 4 years old. I have lived my lifetime with a core struggle that I did not even recognize until last year and through my recent divorce process it bubbled up into the clear light of day. The language you use adds to my growing clarity:

    “A lot of my spiritual work as an adult has been the practice of unlearning every single mark and returning to my original brilliance that was layered up with mark after mark after mark.”

    My therapist invited me months ago to book her for a specific therapeutic technique she uses that she believes will help me return to my original brilliance that was marked so deeply by one careless adult.

    Thank you for being open and generous with your life journey. You have been a Light of Brilliance in my life over the years, particularly (and strangely coincidentally!) during times of significant upheaval.

    Keep Excavating your True Amazing Self for it inspires so many to do the same !

    Reply
    • Kelly Rae Roberts

      Dearest Pam, I say the same to you! Keep excavating, your brilliance will inspire others! Thank you so much for sharing your story!

      Reply
  3. Lori Hamilton

    Kelly Rae, you have been inspiring me for the last three years and I thank you for that. I was in the pit of being stuck in my marriage and about to become an emptinester, leaving me in a place of complete emptiness. My BFF in WA. asked me when was the last time I spent a day by myself… “Uh, never” was my reply, not understanding where she was even going with this. She then challenged me to not call her until I do. 4 months later, I opened the door to “self love”. What a beautiful day it was. Your art was displayed in a quaint little store on Main Street located in Seal Beach, Ca. “The Angel Store” how appropriate for your art. I was in awe of your work and the store owners mom explained how you became an artist. It intrigued me. Fast forward three years later, I have become a certified life coach and have converted my daughters room into a studio and host create your life vision board workshops. I would love to meet you in person and give you a hug some day, for motivating me into a world of happiness. Keep being you! I think Krae K is my pick🤪

    Reply
    • Kelly Rae Roberts

      WOW! Lori, this is an amazing story. Thank you so much for sharing, and for living your best life. It makes a difference!

      Reply
  4. Beverly Ash Gilbert

    Yes, yes, yes. I have tears in my eyes reading your story knowing that probably all of us have battled the random, cutting, cruel, nasty or spiteful words of people who probably don’t remember what they said moments after crushing our hearts.

    Isn’t it sad that the words that stick are the ones that strike home, that we deep down agree with in our vulnerable, critical self? I agree with you, that we only start to shed this baggage when we change the storyline inside to love of ourself. Amazing that it takes decades to do so.

    I hope that we can pass on this self-love story to our kids so that it doesn’t take them as long!

    Reply
    • Kelly Rae Roberts

      Yes! Totally hear you and want to practice the same thing!

      Reply
  5. Arlene

    Beautifully written Kelly ♥♥♥ You filled my heart with so much joy and sorrow, because many of your truths rang true for me too, and what didn’t, I had HUGE compassion for ♥…
    That’s why my intent, now and always, is to shine!
    Thank you for sharing the brave and beautiful you♥

    Reply
    • Kelly Rae Roberts

      Dearest Arlene, I have SO much respect for your comment and appreciate it so, so much. It is so easy to rage on a keyboard, and practicing compassion is takes some work. Here’s to your brilliance (you’re shining SO bright!).

      Reply
  6. Mary Beth Shaw

    You have reclaimed your brilliance in such a special way! Not only your art, but the impactful stories you share. I completely relate to this one in every single way. Chubby period. Check. Bullied by other kids. Check. Mean art teacher. Check. It is truly miraculous when we let it go! ❤️

    Reply
    • Kelly Rae Roberts

      YES it is, and good for you for doing the work!

      Reply

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Hello + welcome!

I’m Kelly Rae Roberts

Before I picked up my first paintbrush at the age of 30, I was a medical social worker. I followed my creative whispers, and today I’m an artist & Possibilitarian. I’m passionate about creating meaningful art and experiences that awaken and inspire our spirits.

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