The hardest part of finding my voice was finding the courage to believe my voice could actually make an impact. – Rosalie Fishon
When I began writing years ago, I was given words of wisdom from a friend of a friend who was a published author. He said you will know you are speaking your truth when there is nothing you are afraid to expose of yourself.
Those thoughts live on my shoulders whenever I hesitate to write something personal. I may ask myself, Am I okay with saying this truth? Thus far, I have not uncovered anything taboo, which is more than I can say for when I was younger, wrapped tightly in old beliefs of divulging what was appropriate or inappropriate.
Finding our voice has many connotations.
To be heard is about speaking up for ourselves, yet many have trouble doing so. Finding one’s voice is about expressing our identity and, ultimately, communicating. To accomplish this, we need to speak in a way that will also be heard.
But first, it is imperative to identify what holds you back from speaking out. Expressing your unique perspectives and opinions to others involves addressing your self-doubt, fears of judgment, and feelings of inadequacy. These apprehensions may include worrying about what others think of you, so you censor yourself, restraining your ability to articulate and expose your truth.
Past experiences may have silenced your voice, causing a struggle with your internal dialog of self-worth. You may not fully know what you think and therefore may lack awareness of your greatness.
Most of us have belief systems that run deep. Depending on the type of upbringing you came from, including cultural and religious ideals, it will significantly affect your ability to speak up.
Yet when the desire to be heard is greater than the desire to hide, you will make yourself heard. When I was young, my speaking voice was soft and quiet. I was often asked to speak louder in class when asked to read aloud or answer a question. One day, my teacher told me, “Don’t worry about speaking up; when you are ready, you will speak loud enough to be heard.“
My childhood was one in which children should be seen but not heard. So, when confronted with that behavior as a young adult, I needed to assess whether that behavior was still valid for my life. The lesson came when I recognized I needed to let go of that behavior. Without knowing it then, I now realize it was one of my first big let-gos. We outgrow our beliefs, patterns, habits, behaviors, and social stigmas. Through consciousness and desire to grow and evolve, we learn to adjust. When what once worked no longer works, change it.
Finding your voice can mean uncovering your deepest self, leading to a discovery of freedom. Self-awareness will generate new perspectives, allowing you to live truthfully – how you are meant to be. Unknowingly, the seeds of our behaviors have been planted as we developed. Yet, just because something has been handed down generationally does not make it correct as we grow. Once cognition develops, our needs change. So, find the courage to go against the past and forge a new you. Transformation begins with letting go of one belief or behavior. The time to start is now.
Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.
~Maya Angelou
