FINDING YOUR VOICE & HAVING AN OPINION

The truth will always outshine a lie. Telling the truth can be scary and come with conflict, but we can avoid it by being silent. The challenge is that when we do not stand up for our needs, rights, and desires, the world walks all over us, and we end up being treated poorly like everyone else.

It has taken me a while to own my voice and truly step into my power, and it's a daily battle. At first, I stood up for myself in trivial conflicts and then began laying more concrete boundaries around my friends and family. Through boundaries and honouring my needs, I created a safe space within myself and the world around me, something we all need to learn how to do.

As a woman, it's easy to become a people pleaser; only we create misery within ourselves by doing so. Implementing honest opinions to circumstances that no longer serve you is necessary when forming boundaries moving forward. Saying no to events you do not want to attend or suggesting pizza when your friends want sushi is a good way to start speaking up for your needs in life. Little habits to implement the word no go a long way. We cannot gain confidence in larger political or social environments without small boundaries and speaking up on small topics. Everyone deserves to have a voice and feel empowered within your own life and these small strategies will help get you there.

I have run from my power and run from my voice for a long time through peer pressure and fear; now, I will no longer run from issues I feel most passionate about. As individuals, we must rise up, speak up and fight for what we believe in: our rights to live in a safe and fulfilling environment. The time to speak up and stand up is now, so are you ready to find your voice and fight for your own personal freedoms?

I know I am.

Chiara x