Dare to speak
At some point, the act of staying silent is no longer an option. We have to dare to speak about what has been burning within us. It becomes clear that not speaking will be a certain death, be that the death of our identity, our soul, our being, our business, or our relationship.
Finding the path to give voice is not easy. At first, we might find the mouse in us. The little, squeaky, timid voice. Or we might be pushed so hard that our first voice is enraged and leaves destruction in its wake. Both are better than silence. In other words, do not wait for the perfect delivery before you find your voice.
It is in our silence that we shrivel, living desiccated lives, neither fully awake, nor fully embodied. The act of speaking is itself a liberation. Through our speaking, we find our courage. And with our courage, our voice becomes stronger. With our strength, we discover what we are made of. And we may well be tested for speaking.
If you are alive and breathing, the world needs your voice. Just as it needs the voices of others, known and unknown.
I am grateful for all the millions of people who have given their lives to speak up because staying silent was no longer an option.
Where is your voice needed now? What must be spoken? Take this as a sign that the time to speak is now.
Written August 1st 2013
Published July 17th 2026. Photo taken July 17th 2024
