The Power Of Your Voice
Sometimes speaking your truth is for you, and other times it's to help others realize and find their own.
Have you ever had a moment where you read something, watched a video, listened to a song lyric, or heard someone else share an experience and realized, damn...that's what I have been feeling but didn't know how to put it into words? I know I have! These moments of vulnerability offer opportunities for inspiring others to gain a different perspective if they're open enough to receive it.
We, humans, are complex, multifaceted, and nuanced. Because of this, sometimes it's difficult to sort out the many feelings that bubble up throughout the day, let alone understand a lifetime of experiences.
A lot of us choose to keep our truth dimmed or hidden altogether. Sometimes this is due to a fear of rejection, shame, or judgment from others. We may also fear the ramifications of sharing our truth, especially if we're unsure how the other person may receive it. So instead, we tend to keep our true feelings and story to ourselves because it's safer.
But you know what -
That doesn't allow people to know the real you. It doesn't allow for authentic connection, and it doesn't make for a fulfilling relationship. We all hold great wisdom in our stories, and sharing that hard-earned insight is a beautiful gift to share with those close to you. Not only do they get to see the real you, they have the opportunity to understand you on a deeper level. When you open up and allow others in, this is an opportunity for you to feel seen, heard, and valued - which is something we all want.
Finding your authentic voice and feeling comfortable speaking your truth takes time and practice. We all have experienced situations where our voices have been discouraged, suppressed, silenced, or used against us. Each time we hide our truth and authenticity, it's a form of self-abandonment that negatively impacts our self-esteem. When we shut off from our authenticity, we don't shine as brightly, which can throw us off our alignment and keeps what's meant for us away.
Reclaiming my voice and authenticity has been a long road with many twists, turns, and ups and downs. I've had the pendulum swing from using aggressive and cutting words to express my truth to shutting my off voice completely and never speaking up for myself. My relationship with my voice and fully expressing it is still evolving, but it's far more balanced than in previous years. And that is inspiring!
I'm at the point in my journey where whether I've known you for two minutes or 20 years, I will show up authentically and share whatever I feel is important to me to communicate. Of course, I use discernment when doing this, but I no longer hold back or hide parts of myself I feel like sharing.
I also still make mistakes. I find myself in situations where I'm afraid to share my true feelings at that moment, and that's okay! But what's different now is that when I catch myself in this old pattern, I choose to correct it. Instead of accepting that the moment has passed, I create a new one. I send a quick text or voice note expressing my feelings and offer an invitation to the other person for a deeper connection.
This practice has completely shifted my relationships!
My openness and comfort with vulnerability have allowed those close to me to do the same for themselves and others. We learn from each other, help each other grow, and help one another accept ourselves for who we are - 'flaws' and all.
The more we open up and share our wisdom from a place of experience, it allows others an opportunity to accept their own story. We all have a deep need for connection and acceptance. Witnessing someone else's story and personal acceptance paves the way for us to do the same for ourselves.
You'll never truly know the impact you've made on another person unless they choose to share that with you. Sometimes sharing how you overcame a difficult situation is just the motivation another person needs to keep moving forward. We are all unique. The more we share openly and authentically, the more united and compassionate we'll become.
So speak your truth because what you have to say matters. Perhaps, you'll be the inspiration for another person to do the same.
