1Q Interview: Ronna Detrick and Telling Our Truth

“I consistently hear about the ramifications, risks, and costs associated with telling the truth, living out loud, revealing our hearts…It’s true: telling our truth is a dangerous thing. It’s also a wild, extravagant, life-changing thing.” –Ronna Detrick

Ah, telling the truth. Sometimes it can feel risky, costly, even terrifying.

One area where I have had to do a lot of risky-feeling truth-telling is in the area of religion. I grew up in the church, spent tens of thousands of dollars on a seminary education, and worked in religious institutions until my mid-30’s. When my religious practices and beliefs began to shift, I was terrified to tell the truth. What would happen to my job? My calling? My community?  But eventually “… the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” (Anaïs Nin)  I started speaking the truth. And you know what? I lost all of those things… and rebuilt new more nurturing versions. Was it difficult? Yes. Was it life-affirming and worth it. Absolutely.

Today in our 1Q Interview, I am thrilled to introduce you to spiritual director and long-time colleague, Ronna Detrick. Ronna is the host to all sorts of soulful discussions at her site RENEGADE Conversations. On April 13th she’s hosting a free teleseminar “Telling the Truth in Extravagant Ways.” Today Ronna’s speaking to us about the bravery of truth telling, and how it can change your life for the better.

Q: In our work you and I often hear the hum of fear behind women’s voices when they talk about wanting to tell the truth – the truth about their beliefs, their dreams, and their desires. What is the first thing you say to a client when you hear that fearful hum in her voice? How do you begin to address it together?

A: Such a good question! First, let me say that I can very quickly hear that fearful hum because I have known it so profoundly in my own voice, my own life. When I hear it, the first thing I do is begin asking “what if” questions. “What if you said whatever you wanted?” “What if you felt (and expressed) whatever you wanted?” “What if you did whatever you wanted?” As soon as we step into those realms, the list of risks and ramifications is legion. Our usual response is to quickly pack everything back up, shove it down inside, and soldier on. (I did that for years and can still feel my tendency to do such, at times.) But what I want to create is a level of safety that allows the unraveling, revealing, and storytelling  to continue; to create space in which those lists can be tenderly exposed, and then kindly, slowly, gently wondered about, explored, and talked through…truthfully. It’s not a quick and simple process. But even the smallest movement of our internal voices into external realms – truth-telling – is beautiful, powerful, and profound.

Is there some truth within you that you’ve been longing to speak aloud? We’re happy to listen. You can whisper it (or SHOUT it) in the comments. We promise to give you virtual congratulatory pats on the back and to say helpful and supportive things!
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 You can find Ronna Detrick’s blog and services at RENEGADE Conversations. And don’t forget to sign up for her free April 13th teleseminar, “Telling the Truth in Extravagant Ways” by clicking here.

Our 1Q interviews  turn into 3Q Interviews at our one line soulspa, Flock: soulcare with Magpie Girl. Join us as Ronna gives us tips on staying brave enough to tell the truth, and talks about how the stories of other brave women can inspire our truth-telling. Click here  to learn how to become a member of the Flock.

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