Growing up as a Glass Child: Choosing the Path of Freedom, Self Love, & Becoming Visible, Lou Bowers

Rita Mercer Author

Discover Lou's journey from invisibility as a glass child to embracing self-love, freedom, & becoming fully visible. An inspiring story of growth!

Introduction: Breaking the Silence

Growing up as a "glass child" is a unique experience, often overlooked yet deeply impactful. In this heartfelt interview, Lou Bowers shares her journey of navigating life as a glass child and how she learned to reclaim her identity, embrace self-love, and become visible.

What is a Glass Child?

Lou defines a glass child as the sibling of a high-needs child, someone whose medical, emotional, and relational needs demand the family's primary focus. "We’re not called glass children because we break easily," Lou explains. "It’s because you can see through us."

For Lou, this meant often learning to put others needs before her own, while her parents focused on caring for her sister, who had cystic fibrosis. Lou gets transparent in sharing major life events as she describes how being a glass child often made her feel invisible.  Growing up with these life experiences shaped her identity, making her hesitant to express her own needs.

Learning to Take Up Space

As a child, Lou became what she calls a "kitchen sneaker," quietly meeting her own basic needs without asking for help. "I had to teach myself later in life that asking for what you need is not just okay—it’s essential," she shares.

Her pivotal moment came during her adult years when she chose not to join her family on an RV trip. With a heavy heart, she notes that staying behind was a tough decision,  without her kids and husband, but she acknowledges it as pivotal moment that marked her first step toward prioritizing her own needs.

The Journey to Freedom

After years of living a life centered around others, including her now ex-husband's dreams of chasing adventures, Lou found her voice and her freedom. From managing a goat farm to extensive RV travel, she realized that true freedom came from within and from setting her own boundaries.

"Freedom for me now is deciding what fills me up," Lou explains. "Whether it’s journaling, meditating, or just choosing between coffee or tea, I get to decide."

Grief, Growth, & the Journey of Becoming

Losing her sister to cystic fibrosis 20 years ago deeply impacted Lou's perspective on life. It taught her the value of embracing all of life's mundane moments.

Lou emphasizes the importance of recognizing the "before and after" moments in life. "These pivotal moments divide our lives, but they also give us a chance to grow into who we are meant to become," she says.

Practicing Generous Selfishness

One of the practices Lou has embraced is what she calls "generous selfishness." She checks in with herself regularly, asking what she needs in the moment—whether it’s a walk, a cup of tea, or a quick nap.

"It’s not taking away from others," Lou explains. "It’s adding to your ability to show up fully for yourself and those around you."

Takeaways - Lou's story offers powerful lessons:

• Ask for Your Needs: It’s okay—and essential—to articulate what you need.
• Embrace the Mundane: The simple, everyday moments are often the most fulfilling.
• Choose Freedom: Define what freedom means to you and take steps toward it.
• Practice Self-Love: Prioritize yourself so you can thrive, not just survive.

Connect with Lou

If you're looking for ways to become more visible is business, connect with Lou.

Lou is now a visibility expert, helping others step into their light. You can connect with her on Instagram at @LouBowersVisibilityExpert or visit her website at LouBowers.com.

Closing Thoughts

Lou's journey from invisibility to empowerment reminds us that it’s never too late to become visible. By choosing self-love and embracing the freedom to be ourselves, we can rewrite our stories and live authentically.

Are you ready to step into your light? Let Lou's story inspire you to take the first step.

Are you looking for more inspiration for wellness tips & coping skills?

Check out The Daring Well Podcast:

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Categories: : Identity, Self Love, Self Care Needs