This week we explore the tension between bringing our wholeness to the world and the social pressure to maintain polished appearances. How might we practise opening our hearts to the whole of ourselves—including the uncomfortable, needy, and difficult parts?

Moving from performing acceptability to becoming spaces where others can feel genuinely welcomed means cultivating the capacity to ask "what else is here?" with genuine curiosity. And this becomes the foundation for encountering our own and others' grief, rage, and vulnerability without turning away. It’s our sense that this is an ethical imperative—the gift we offer those who come after us and those we meet along the way.

This week’s conversation is hosted, as always, by Lizzie Winn and Justin Wise of Thirdspace.

Episode Overview
00:00 Introduction and Context of the Conversation
01:56 The Power of Authenticity in Relationships
07:04 Exploring the Poem: 'What If I Told You'
08:52 Embracing Messiness as Generosity
12:56 The Importance of Self-Reflection
20:42 Navigating Relationships with Authenticity
28:55 The Ethical Imperative of Being Real
31:48 Conclusion and Future Directions

Here’s our source for this week:

What if I told you

What if I told you
That showing up
In this messy world
Just as you are
Is the ultimate act of love.

That befriending your doubts,
Opening your heart to
The whole of you,
Is the greatest act of generosity.

That loving yourself
In the places that are the hardest to love
Is the most profound gift
You can give
To those who come after you,
To those who meet you,
To those who rest in your eyes for a moment,
As you move through the world
As an invitation
And a welcome for
Everyone's messy beauty.

What if I told you,
We need you
Just
As
You
Are.

Hollie Holden

Photo by Talia Cohen on Unsplash

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Join Us Live in 2025

Turning Towards Life Live Season 1, from September 2025
We also have the launch of our Turning Towards Life live programme which is going to run in six month seasons from September. It's going to be in person on Zoom once a month. We're very excited about it. A chance to expand beyond the bounds of a podcast into forming a community of learning and practice. You can register your interest for Season 1 of Turning Towards Life Live here.

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About Turning Towards Life
Turning Towards Life, a week-by-week conversation inviting us deeply into our lives, is a live 30 minute conversation hosted by Justin Wise and Lizzie Winn of Thirdspace. Find us on FaceBook to watch live and join in the lively conversation on this episode. You can find videos of every episode, and more about the project on the Turning Towards Life website, and you can also watch and listen on Instagram, YouTube, and as a podcast on Apple, Google, Amazon Music and Spotify.

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402: What If I Told You