Speak Your Truth…

Even if your voice shakes.

I grew up in a time when adults harbored the belief that, “children should be seen and not heard.” My parents, who loved my brother and I very much, subscribed to this harmful belief system — ultimately taking away or invalidating our voices at a very early age.

That belief system, my friends, was one of the most damaging things that can be instilled in any child.

It has taken me decades to find my voice. The one that was silenced so long ago. The one that is speaking to you now.

You may feel that the saying, “speak your truth, even if your voice shakes,” is a tired old cliché. But the truth is, we all need reminders, even after — especially after we finally find our voices because you can be sure that there will be plenty of critics and haters who try to keep you silent.

I remember when I was child in school, I would sit silently in the classroom waiting for the teacher to call on me because I was always reluctant to raise my hand to answer the questions the teacher was asking. I usually knew the answer, but I was afraid to let everyone know for fear of being ridiculed or judged for something related or unrelated to the question. Needless to say, I was insecure.

Being taught that your voice doesn’t matter makes you feel like YOU don’t matter. And the words coming out of your mouth have no value. BUT that is just not true.

We all have a story, thoughts, dreams and ambitions that when shared with others gives them hope for their own thoughts, dreams and ambitions.

Don’t let the judgment and ridicule of others silence your voice. What you have to say needs to be heard. There is someone out there who will read, hear or watch you speak that will use your story as their playbook.

Remember, we are all on this journey of continuous improvement together. You are not alone. So SPEAK UP — and let us hear what you have to say…

I’m listening.