My Voice Matters

Awhile ago an artist was creating a video and asked a number of different women for a photo of themselves with a word or phrase that meant something to them.  Her focus was empowerment and speaking of things to let go, such as fear, in order to move forward.  I decided I wanted mine to be positive, a reflection of where I feel I've begun to see growth in my own life.  Growing up I was painfully shy and was absolutely grateful for the group of girls that allowed me to speak and be fully myself.  But otherwise, I didn't feel my contribution mattered - in fact, it felt as though as what I had to say was silly, non-consequential, almost a stain on any conversation.  As an adult, with my paintings and writing being exhibited and published more frequently and also being asked to speak publicly more often, I am realizing that my voice does matter.  That each one of us needs to share our 'song'.  That without allowing everyone a chance for expression, we are missing a vital part of this wonderful journey in this world.  Like Martha Graham once said, there is a life-force that runs through each and every one of us, and if we don't express it, the world will lose it.  And what a shame that would be.