All my life I’ve been the one who asks the question that everyone is afraid to ask. As I age, I feel like staying quiet is a safety measure- and I’m ashamed that I’m choosing a path of cowardice. I’m sitting with this a lot right now- have I just gotten smarter about when to speak up and when to stay quiet?
This really moved me, Lil. It’s not cowardice—it’s complexity. Knowing when to speak and when to pause is hard-earned wisdom. I think there’s strength in even asking the question out loud.
Part of the reason I started my Substack was precisely for this reason- to express myself. To take up space. To find validation in my own expression, rather than always seeking it from others. Thanks for this reminder!
This is almost like you saw me. I think thats the power of sharing lived experience.
That means so much, Pratibha. I really believe there’s healing in lived experience—thank you for receiving this with such openness.
All my life I’ve been the one who asks the question that everyone is afraid to ask. As I age, I feel like staying quiet is a safety measure- and I’m ashamed that I’m choosing a path of cowardice. I’m sitting with this a lot right now- have I just gotten smarter about when to speak up and when to stay quiet?
This really moved me, Lil. It’s not cowardice—it’s complexity. Knowing when to speak and when to pause is hard-earned wisdom. I think there’s strength in even asking the question out loud.
Part of the reason I started my Substack was precisely for this reason- to express myself. To take up space. To find validation in my own expression, rather than always seeking it from others. Thanks for this reminder!
I love that. Taking up space through your own words is powerful—and freeing. So glad this resonated with you!
It's so powerful when we learn that we CAN show up in any room - people are people and we don't need to be intimidated
Absolutely! That shift in mindset is everything—showing up fully changes the whole room.
Owning my voice and not letting it shrink inorder to shine a light on another.