Confrontation
For most of my life, I’ve been a people-pleaser. My mantra was simple: make others happy, even if it meant compromising my own well-being. Speaking up for myself or being my own advocate? That was foreign territory. I navigated life by prioritizing what I thought would make others happy, often at my own expense.
But here’s the thing about journeys—they often start with a single, hesitant step. As I venture into this space of self-discovery and personal growth, I’m finding my voice. Now, I won’t sugarcoat it: this voice is soft, quiet, and a bit unsure. Yet, it’s more than I’ve ever had. I’m learning that it’s okay to speak my mind, and perhaps this is what people mean when they talk about being comfortable in your own skin.
For the longest time, I associated speaking up with being confrontational. What if people didn’t like what I had to say? What if they thought I was stupid or, worse, not good enough? These fears used to paralyze me. But I’m discovering that if someone does judge me harshly for expressing my thoughts, they’re simply not my people. The real treasure is finding those who champion my voice and create a safe space for me to share my thoughts and opinions.
Surrounding myself with these supportive individuals has made my once-quiet voice a bit louder and more confident. Sometimes, I even surprise myself with what I’m capable of saying. And you know what? It feels good. It feels liberating not to be constantly bogged down by the pressure of meeting others’ expectations. It feels empowering to know that others value what I have to say.
This process is like shedding a layer that no longer fits me. Each small moment of bravery is a step forward on this path of self-discovery. It’s exhilarating to think that if this small feat makes me feel good inside, there’s so much more I have yet to unlock. The journey is far from over, and I’m excited to see what new discoveries await.
So, here’s to finding our voices, however soft they may be at first, and to surrounding ourselves with those who make us feel heard and valued. These moments of self-discovery remind us that we are capable of more than we once believed.
What about you?
How do you know you have found your voice on your journey?
What small victories are you celebrating along the way?