Ever feel like something in your life is just a little…off? Maybe you’re pushing through daily routines, listening to logic over intuition, and not quite feeling “you.” If so, the latest episode of the I Heart My Life Show is an absolute must-listen. Host Emily Williams sat down with transformational coach, speaker, and author Deidre Sirianni to dive deep into the art of crafting your story—and how doing so can spark healing, impact, and personal growth.
Listening to Your Soul (Even When It’s Scary)
Deidre’s journey is nothing short of powerful. Seven years ago, while standing in her kitchen, she discovered a bald spot on her head—a symptom, she later realized, of not living in alignment with her true self. This wake-up call led her down a path of radical honesty, healing autoimmune diseases, leaving an emotionally abusive marriage, and ultimately, transforming her trauma into her greatest gift.
As Deidre shares, “Every single thing in my business, in my life, has literally come from a trauma or a pivotal moment that I’ve transformed into a diamond for others.”
Are You Ignoring the Signs?
Emily echoed Deidre’s sentiments with her own observations: We’re quick to seek medical solutions or talk therapy, yet often overlook our body’s wisdom. Deidre explains that disease is “disconnection from self,” and those pains or unexplained symptoms may be your soul’s way of trying to get your attention.
Not sure how to tune in? Start by noticing where you don’t feel comfortable being yourself. “Usually there’s something in your life that you’re ignoring, that you’re shutting down, that you’re numbing,” Deidre says. She recommends tuning into your symptoms, asking yourself what emotion is present, and then taking courageous action to address the root of the feeling.
How to Tell When It’s Your Truth (Not Ego or Old Stories)
One big question that comes up: How do you know you’re acting from your highest self, versus responding from fear or conditioning?
Deidre breaks it down beautifully:
- Your soul communicates through symptoms and feelings—goosebumps, expansion, or contraction.
- Your higher self shows up as visions of possibility, prompting you to ask, “If I could do, be, or have anything, what would that be?”
- Old programming (think: your parents’ voices or fear) often feels restrictive, while truth feels expansive.
The Magic of Story for Leaders and Entrepreneurs
Why does story matter, especially in business? According to Deidre, teaching alone doesn’t stick; it’s our personal stories that connect, build trust, and invite others to see themselves in us. Vulnerable storytelling isn’t always easy, but it’s the most impactful—especially when you share not just achievements, but also the messiness and the lessons learned.
Deidre’s advice: Tell the story you don’t want to tell. These are the stories that create authentic connection and inspire transformation in others. As she puts it, “Story invites people into your work world, but it actually invites them into their own world.”
When Are You Ready to Share?
You might wonder, “Should I share my story now, or is it too soon?” Deidre suggests that you’re ready when you’ve learned something, have some emotional distance, and are no longer using your audience as your therapist. True leadership comes from sharing the lessons, not just the pain.
Crafting Your Core Story: Where to Start
If you want to start sharing your story—on a stage or a podcast—Deidre recommends:
- Identify pivotal moments that have shaped who you are.
- Lean into the story that’s uncomfortable—often, that’s the one that will impact others most.
- Bring people into a scene: Paint a picture so vivid others feel like they’re right there with you.
- Be authentic and embodied: Your energy speaks louder than your words; if you haven’t healed or owned your story, your audience will sense it.
Final Words: Say Yes Before You’re Ready
Deidre’s parting wisdom? “Say yes before you’re ready.” When opportunities present themselves, don’t wait—step forward even if you’re not completely prepared. Growth, both personally and in business, happens outside the comfort zone.
If you’re ready to take the next step in creating a life better than your dreams, my Dream Life Guide can help you get clear, reconnect, and take aligned action. You can access it for free right here: iheartmylife.com/guide
+ view the comments
