One of the scariest things that new (and even seasoned) psychics have to face is the moment they tell other people about their gifts; especially when first starting out.

We deal with ridicule, judgment, and those who think what we do is complete bull. On a positive note, we can also receive encouragement, support, and love as we go on our journey of light work and healing.

It’s not always easy, but is (in my opinion) worth it.

Paulo Coelho said, “Some people around you will not understand your journey. They don’t need to; it’s not for them.”

As you are on your own personal path of opening up, here are a few things I learned along the way that I hope will help you navigate your own waters a little easier:

1. Be Honest

 It can be unnerving to simply open up and show your vulnerability, since you never know how people will respond. I remember when I first started in this industry, I was terrified to tell a particular member of my family that I was a psychic. I knew she was extremely religious and with my experience being raised in similar environment, I also knew this might conjure up all sorts of fears about me consorting with the devil or demons, or similar. My husband insisted that would not be the case and that she would take it in stride.

Boy, was he wrong.

This mild-mannered, (even passive) person’s face completely changed when I told her what I had been doing for work. She did mention how it was against the Bible and she worried for me, and my boys. I tried to reassure her that I only work in the light and that doing this has actually brought me closer to God and the Archangels. As a matter of fact, I had practically been an Atheist at one point because religion was used as a tool for abuse when I was a child. Ironically, tapping into my spiritual side brought me closer to something she believed in.

Immediately, I chickened out from our conversation and said, “It’s more like I am like a life coach.”

SO. NOT. TRUE.

Anyway, we silently agreed to not discuss it and for several years, that method worked. However, as we grew closer and time went on, it was hard for me to not be able to share a big part of who I was with her.

Fast forward a few years and a few glasses of wine one night and the subject came up. She said, “Shelly, I don’t necessarily agree with what you do and I pray for you, your husband and the kids every night, but I love you and want us to always be honest with each other. I want to be able to tell you anything and you to be able to do the same.”

It felt great to not have to hide who I was any longer.

I wish I had never backtracked and tried to refer to myself as a life coach, because in the end being honest at the very start was the right thing to do. She didn’t have to accept it, but eventually did and I was no longer hiding it from her.

2. Don’t Worry About Their Opinions

Everyone has an opinion about things whether they express it or not.

You do. I do. We all do.

Most of us also have preconceived notions about how people live their lives, how they behave towards other people, and unfortunately the authenticity of people in this particular industry.

Since I was young, my relationship with a male member of my family has been up and down. We have always loved each other fiercely but over the years had butted heads on a regular basis. When I had been reading the Akashic Records for a few years, I finally decided to tell him what I had been doing and studying.

Having certain trust issues of his own, his immediate comment was, “So, you learn things about people in advance and then make educated guesses about their future?”

Um…not even freaking close. How offensive.

First, when you read the Akashic Records, you aren’t making guesses about the future or even current events. You are reading an energetic record of them on a soul level. You are channeling information about past lives, intuitive gifts, their soul group, and the life lessons they are working on (to name a few of the topics). You aren’t studying people on Google or LinkedIn or whatever. It wouldn’t do any good and frankly, who has the time for that?

I was hurt, but not surprised. I know that his opinion was his own and literally had nothing to do with who I was as a reader and healer.

Fortunately, we were able to delve deep and he learned that what I am doing is honestly because I love people and happen to have the gift of helping, healing, and connecting. He supports me 100% now and we have great conversations about everything spiritual.

       3. Remember, you WILL get support!

It is not always criticism and judgement that happen when you share yourself with those close to you and/or with strangers. I have experienced the loveliest connections while on my journey.

I told my best friend when I was first figuring out my gifts and was (once again) unsure of what her reaction might be. To my surprise she quoted Dr. Seuss saying, “Shell, those who matter don’t mind and those who mind don’t matter.”

I have mentally referred to that quote more times than I can even remember and have shared it with countless people. It keeps me grounded and gets me through times of doubt.   

4. You may be surprised at who supports you on your journey

If you had ever met my Dad you would have known he was a very grounded and focused left-brained thinker. His house was so impeccable that I use to tease him by saying he measured the vacuum lines in his living room carpet so they would be perfectly spaced. Up until the very day he passed away, he was the go-to guy for anyone needing help with anything having to do with technology or logical solutions to everyday problems.

Although he had always been my biggest cheerleader and source of support, I was quite nervous to tell him about my spiritual side. It was too ‘woo-woo’ for a man like that. I fully expected him to roll his eyes and say, “Huh? What are you talking about?”

He looked at me and said, “Okay, Pal. That’s neat. Just as long as you are happy doing what you are doing.”

You could have knocked me over with a feather.

I am so grateful that I was able to share that part of me before he passed and I also feel in my heart that it made it easier for him to connect with me after he crossed over. You can read more about that here.

People may just surprise you like that, as well!

Nanea Hoffman said, “If you want to know who your tribe is, speak your truth. Then see who sticks around. Those are the people who get a spot in your blanket fort."

So, speak your truth and start building that fort! It may fill up quicker than you could have imagined.