Hi friend!

It’s a pleasure to e-meet you! If you’re new to my site, this open letter is expressly for you.

Defining the Relationship

I want you to know three things about me that might give you some context for the hundreds (maybe?) of posts and pages you are about to navigate–should you dare. I share these things because I want to define-the-relationship between you and me, so that we can both have healthy expectations and a healthy relationship together.

1. I never wanted to put myself out in the public sphere like this, but I am doing it for one reason: I’m doing it for you. Why would I do something so vulnerable in a world that can be so unkind to strangers from the anonymous comfort of our computer screens? Because I believe in the power of story to empower others to overcome greater trials than those I have overcome. Because I believe we all need much more authenticity, much more kindness, and much more hope than what we’re getting in the mainstream at the moment. And because I believe you can be healed of anything, as long as you are willing to walk out your journey without compromise. As such, I expect the vulnerable parts of my story to be treated with respect, at a minimum, so that others can be emboldened to be more vulnerable with their stories as well.
2. I’m not perfect, not even close, so please don’t put me up on some pedestal. I’m no guru, and I don’t know how you should live your life–so don’t ask. I have developed some spiritual and psychological skills that work for me and I share them mostly to inspire you to develop skills that work for you. Don’t copy what I do or how I do it. Read about what I did and ask yourself, “If I was filled with the purest form of unconditional love, which part of her story would resonate with me right now?” and then, “What might my next step be to move towards that goal?”
3. I am part of a local community, as you should also be. Does it meet all my needs? Not yet. Do I have friends in far-off places? Absolutely. However, if you reach out to me as a person in need of healing expertise, and you’re not in my local community, chances are I will not be equipped to help you in the way you need to be helped. I would much rather encourage you to look for people in your circle or in your local area with whom to seek connection. Although the internet brings us all closer in some ways, it also isolates us from flesh-and-bone community in some ways, and I don’t want to propagate that problem.

What You Can to Expect from Me

I’m a woman who is still on her healing journey, who has a family also on a healing journey, and who lives in a local community we don’t know very well, yet. I’m also a soon-to-be-retired Soldier and a soon-to-get-started graduate student. Finally, I’m a first-time author and a burgeoning public speaker. I don’t have a lot of free time

This means I will not be posting regularly. I will only post when the spirit breathes upon a topic in my heart, and I will rest when there is no spiritual breath to power my sails. The most I can offer is that I will share news and updates about the work I’m doing both here and at benescompanies.com, so that you can join my events in person or online.

If you want regular content, I suggest you dive deep into the archives of my blog. There are hundreds (maybe?) of posts in there, waiting for you. Try one a week for the next 52 weeks and see if that fulfills your curiosity.

A Beautiful Gift

Finally, I’m honored that you would take the time to read, listen to, and share some of what you find here. There are a lot of other things you could be doing, and the idea that you would spend some of your precious time and energy with me is a beautiful gift from you to me.

I receive it with gratitude.

Tenay Benes