An iceberg is only ten percent above water. The colossal ninety percent lies unseen. The power and ferocity of the iceberg lies in its unseen.

We too, like icebergs, live with a large untapped potential. Our ability far exceeds what’s apparent to the world and even ourselves. This gives us hope and confidence that no matter how high the climb, the depth of our capacity is always greater.

But there’s another aspect of our personality where we live as icebergs. Emotional icebergs.

Much of what we are feeling lies submerged in ourselves. Our fears, anxieties, hurts and pain. And we allow the world to see our happy joyful side. It’s never easy carrying a smile on our face with pain in our heart.

And if these trapped emotions don’t find resolution, under pressure this iceberg of emotion erupts like a volcano of unorganised emotions causing much destruction. 

When we allow a friend in our inner world we also allow their perspectives to reach us and sometimes we find our answers simply by sharing our feelings. And without realising it we help them with their feelings as well. Sharing our feelings is not showing weakness, it’s building trust. 

Sharing our vulnerability can serve others. A leading actress shared her challenge with depression only to be respected even more for her openness and care for reaching out to many. Sharing our vulnerability needs strength.

And when we sit in silence counting our blessings, we realise that in spite of our challenges there is much to be grateful for. I am reminded of something I read early on in school which has stayed with me – “I cried because I had no shoes, till I saw someone with no feet.”

And as we travel this journey to unravel our potential and unburden our emotions, we will realise we are not alone. There’s an Iceberg in everyone.