Unmute

I can remember learning how to color back in kindergarten. My teacher would hold up a perfectly colored coloring sheet that she provided as an example of how the completed assignment should l ook. Next, she handed out the blank coloring sheets and gave the instructions on how to successfully complete the task. Excited, everyone would pull out their set of crayons and begin to color. She would walk through the rows of desks looking at the humble beginnings of these future masterpieces. Occasionally, she would remind us, "Children, remember to stay inside of the lines."Once completed, she would ensure names were on all the coloring sheets and then proceed to hang them up on the bulletin board for everyone to see.        Having your artwork on display for the teacher, classmates and parents was a really big deal. Everyone one would huddle around the bulletin board to determine who submitted the " best" and "worst" work. The inspections were alw...

A s 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 clos...