Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. -Martin Luther King (1929-1968) Theologian/Activist
Growing up, children were taught to "be seen and not heard." It was a matter of being polite around adults. But it is also important to teach children to speak out, especially women and, especially, if they are facing an injustice.
Among my few regrets in life are the times when I didn't speak up, negotiate harder on a contract or present myself with my full voice of confidence. Odds were the outcomes did not work in my favor.
Often we don't speak out because we fear repercussions. But the worse repercussion is not being the change you want to see or the person you wish to become.
I admire people like Martin Luther King who spoke out for those who were afraid or unable to do so. His message today is as strong as ever, although I worry that much of the world does not seem to want to listen. Freedom of speech is invaluable, and the price some people pay is insufferable. Around the world, century after century, we have seen the sad results when the world sits back and watches the wrong side of history unfold and does not step up and take action and speak out to raise awareness.
I don't think we have the right to remain silent when we have the choice to have a voice and make positive change,
I say in my first book, Getting Things Off My Chest, "It took losing my breasts to find my voice." Hopefully it will not take anything as drastic for you to find your voice. Your voice can be shared in words, actions, creativity...whatever makes your voice your own. Just don't let it go to waste and make sure people are listening.
To be heard you should be both an articulate speaker and an attentive listener.
Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree. -- Martin Luther (1483-1546) Theologian/Activist