Unmute

As a survivor of sexual abuse and trauma I've had numerous people,  places, things and ideas impact my ability to utilize my voice. Well if I'm being more transparent--- I'd have to say experiences, relationships, learned behaviors, people's perceptions, environments, belief systems and my own misconceptions were equally contributing factors in stifling my voice. What is voice, you ask?

      

 Voice, in this context, could be defined as the ability to express oneself freely without reservation. To vocalize. To give voice to. Voice embodies the essence of who you are as an individual. It is the expression of who you are. It's that special or unique quality that makes you distinctly you. 

       Now that we have a general understanding of what voice is, how could we possibly have it muted? Imagine bursting with excitement because you received life changing news and immediately you decide to tell your closest friends. Picking up the phone, you dial the first number. The friend answers,"Hello" but the phone's connection is so terrible on your end that your friend can't hear a word you're saying. Frustrating isn't it? Have you ever been in a frightening situation and someone put their hand over your mouth to keep you quiet or simply told you to shut up? What about someone making you feel like your thoughts, opinions or ideas weren't valid? So in return, you stopped expressing yourself because you figured no one would listen anyway or your opinions no longer mattered. If you've experienced anything similar to this, then you can identify with being muted. 

        This blog is chronicling my journey to take back my voice, realize the power of my voice, use my voice to help others and inspire someone else to do the same. Daily, we encounter relationships, situations, and ideas that threaten to mute us or provoke us into silencing our collective voices. It's a constant struggle and it's a decision that we are forced to make on a daily basis. In a world filled with carbon copies I want to encourage and challenge you to choose you! Are you willing to take this journey with me? Ready! Set! Unmute!