How to start using your voice

Even if it feels scary

There’s something gentle about learning to use your voice, especially if, like me, you’ve spent years keeping the peace, staying small, or putting everyone else’s needs before your own.

Speaking up can feel like a risk. What if it’s too much? What if no one listens? What if we’re met with silence, or worse, resistance?

But here’s what I’ve learnt:
Using your voice isn’t about being loud. It’s about being honest.

It’s not about having it all figured out.
It’s about saying how it is for you, even if your voice shakes.

And the more you practice, the safer it becomes to speak from your truth.

Here are some gentle ways to begin:
– Start by being honest with yourself first. What do I feel? What do I need?
– Practice saying it out loud, even if it’s just to the mirror.
– Use simple phrases like: “This matters to me,” or “Here’s how I really feel.”
– Notice where you shrink back and meet that part of you with love.

You don’t need to shout out your truth.
You just need to stop pretending you’re not there.

Try this today:
Write down one thing you haven’t said out loud, to yourself or to someone else, and ask:
What would it feel like to honour this truth today?

You don’t have to get it perfect.
You just have to begin, begin becoming aware of where you aren’t speaking your truth or saying how it is for you. Get curious with yourself…

I know this is scary, and it takes courage to step into the unknown, but you will be so happy you did!

♥ Chantal