Pathways to Acceptance: Embracing Imperfection & Unleashing Your Voice with Suzy Jeppesen

Amber Stitt
Aug 5
3 min read

Living Unleashed: Suzy Jeppesen on Embracing Imperfection and the Power of Storytelling

On a recent special edition of “Pathways with Amber Stitt,” listeners were treated to an inspiring conversation with Suzy Jeppesen—a facilitator, speaker, writer, and outspoken advocate for those living with chronic illness and disability. Recorded at the Unleash Your Superpower conference in Delray Beach, Florida, this episode delves deep into vulnerability, self-acceptance, and the courage to share one’s story, regardless of how “imperfect” life may feel.

The Power of Vulnerability and Visibility

Suzy Jeppesen’s journey is one marked by a transition from hiding her struggles to unapologetically sharing them. Living with a chronic illness that affects her mobility, Suzy recounts years of devotedly hiding her hardships. Whether it was avoiding being seen struggling up the stairs at work or using her family’s legacy of perfectionism as a shield, she learned to present a facade of having everything together.

But as Suzy shares, “My body rebelled against that.” The constant effort to hide and fix herself ultimately led her to a breaking point. She realized that in striving for perfection and acceptance from others, she’d missed the vital step of accepting herself.

Her turning point came in publicly visible moments, like having to use the handrail during a fire drill while colleagues watched. Instead of retreating further into shame or discomfort, she leaned into the visibility. “Allowing myself to be seen struggling—my body forced me into it, and that’s what I needed,” Suzy recalls.

From Struggle to Sharing: Why Stories Matter

At the heart of Suzy’s message is the belief that our stories matter—and that sharing them can be transformative, not only for ourselves but for those who read, or hear them. “If you have that calling, if you feel there’s a message that other people need to hear, I think it’s our soul guiding us,” she affirms.

It’s a radical act to publish one’s story, particularly when it centers on topics that are often stigmatized, or shrouded in silence, like chronic illness or disability. For Suzy, writing wasn’t always a lifelong ambition. She began her writing career in business writing, putting together sales proposals and newsletters. Over time, her writing evolved into a more personal practice, chronicling her inner journey toward self-acceptance and resilience.

The feedback she received from sharing her experiences was powerful—people resonated with her vulnerability and clarity. As Amber Stitt, the host, observes, sharing one’s struggles can create fellowship and remind us that we’re not alone. So often, we carry our burdens in silence, but putting pen to paper is a way of saying “enough”—and inviting others to join in our process of healing and growth.

Unleashing New Pathways and Redefining “Perfection”

One of the more poignant messages from the episode is the importance of living now, not waiting “for recovery” or some arbitrary future milestone before embracing joy. “To live and not wait for recovery—that can mean so many things for people,” Amber notes.

Suzy’s story invites all of us to rethink what “normal” or “perfect” looks like. She recounts a recent experience at a Miami spa and where she walked along the beach using a cane and accepted assistance without shame. For Suzy, modeling imperfection is not only liberating personally, but also a gesture of advocacy for those who feel isolated by their differences.

Her encouragement extends to those hesitant to share their own stories: “And it doesn’t matter what your struggle is, or what your business is, or whether you have a business, or not. If you feel there’s a message that needs to get out, trust it—it will benefit others.”

Connecting and Taking Action

For those wanting to follow Suzy’s journey or learn more, she’s active on LinkedIn and YouTube under the playful handle “SuzySunflower”—a name that speaks to her mission of bringing joy and authenticity to the world.

Ultimately, this episode is a call to action: accept yourself, embrace what makes you unique, and dare to share your story. The “Pathways” community is living proof that vulnerability leads not just to connection, but to transformation—for both the storyteller and the world.

Ready for more? Listen to “Pathways with Amber Stitt” and take action on your unique path today.