Using Your Voice: Embracing Courage in Times of Discomfort
Hey y’all,
Today, we’re diving deep into what it means to find, honor, and use our voices—especially when it feels downright uncomfortable. I know you know those moments. It’s that “whew, do I really have to go there?” kind of feeling. But it’s precisely in those moments when using our voice can be the most powerful.
Today’s topic couldn’t come at a better time. It’s Election Day here in the U.S., and voting reminds us all of how significant our voices are in shaping our communities and claiming our space in this world. Voting is just one way we express ourselves, standing up for what we believe in and creating the change we want to see.
Brown Heart Affirmation:
“Today, I honor the power of my voice. I make choices that align with my values, knowing that my voice holds power, even in the smallest actions.
”
When I think about this affirmation, I’m reminded of how honoring our voice can be an act of courage. Using our voice to share our truth—especially in spaces where it may not always be welcomed—takes strength. Whether it’s at the polls, in a tense workplace meeting, or around the family table, we are constantly presented with chances to speak up or hold our peace. Let’s get into what it means to show up courageously in these spaces, whether we’re sharing an opinion, setting a boundary, or simply being present with intention.
Choosing Courage Over Comfort
I’m sure you’ll agree—using your voice isn’t always easy. Sometimes, speaking up means pushing through discomfort, risking misunderstandings, or even challenging the status quo. But today, I want to encourage you to think of speaking up as more than just stating an opinion; it’s a way of claiming space for yourself. Every time we choose to use our voice, we’re telling ourselves (and the world), “I deserve to be here, to be seen and heard, to take up space.” And that, my friends, is a form of liberation.
Election Day is just one example. But how often are we faced with situations at work or in our personal lives where we feel compelled to stay silent just to keep the peace? I’ve had to remind myself many times that showing up vocally is as much about liberating myself as it is about shaping the world around me. When we speak up, we’re creating space for authenticity and even making room for others to feel safe doing the same.
Navigating Discomfort in Different Spaces
1. Handling Differences in the Workplace
When Election Day rolls around, or during any major societal event, the workplace often becomes a hotbed of diverse opinions. Tensions can rise, and political or personal beliefs may clash. For me, using my voice in these settings has never meant jumping into every debate. Sometimes, it’s more about standing firm in my truth without necessarily needing to prove it.
Ever been in a meeting where you can feel the tension because your values don’t align with everyone else’s? For me, it’s become about protecting my peace, knowing when to speak and when to step back. I focus on grounding myself in what I stand for and ask myself, “What am I for, not just what am I against?” This mindset keeps me balanced and helps make difficult conversations feel less like battles and more like intentional discussions.
2. Preparing for Tough Conversations
Let’s talk about the courage it takes to speak up in everyday life—not just at the polls, but in work meetings, relationships, and all those places where vulnerability is required. Maybe it’s addressing a sensitive topic in a meeting or just showing up as your authentic self. Using our voice in these moments can feel like a leap of faith.
When I know I’m stepping into a tough conversation, I try to ground myself in my values first. I ask myself, “Why am I speaking up?” and “What’s the goal here?” Getting clear on my purpose helps me feel centered and keeps me from getting rattled if the conversation takes a challenging turn. So, if you’re going into a conversation that feels daunting, take a breath and remind yourself of your intentions. Your voice matters, even when it feels shaky.
3. Standing Firm with Family
Now, you know I couldn’t skip talking about family dynamics! (Dear family, if you’re reading, know this is all love!) Boundaries with family have taught me some of my biggest lessons. We all have that family member who sees things differently, and it can be hard to balance self-respect with a desire to keep the peace.
Picture this: Thanksgiving dinner, and Auntie Belinda’s talking about that topic that makes you want to grab your coat and take a walk around the block. Using my voice with family isn’t about tearing down anyone’s beliefs, but it’s also not about letting anyone trample on my peace. When I need to set boundaries, I focus on expressing my needs without critiquing theirs. It’s not easy, but it’s led to stronger, healthier relationships. And just know, it’s okay to protect your peace—even if it means calmly shutting down a conversation (no need to cuss out Auntie, but you get the idea).
Courageous Action Steps
There’s a quote by Viktor Frankl that says, “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” I love this because it’s a reminder of the pause we can take before reacting. In that moment of pause, we find the freedom to respond intentionally and in alignment with our values.
Here are some ways to strengthen that pause and speak up courageously:
Set Boundaries Around Political Discussions: Decide ahead of time which topics are worth engaging in and which ones you’re okay letting go. Protecting your peace starts with knowing when to engage and when to let it slide.
Prepare Key Points for Tough Conversations: Use the space Frankl speaks of and clarify your message beforehand. Write down your main points to keep yourself focused and calm.
Breathe Through Discomfort: When you feel the urge to react, take a deep breath. That pause can shift your response from reactive to intentional, grounding you in your values.
Find Allies and Safe Spaces: If you’re in environments where full expression isn’t always possible, lean on spaces where your voice is valued. Those safe spaces will help you build confidence for more challenging situations.
Brown Heart Mindful Moment
Take a moment to ground yourself in the courage to use your voice. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and think of a situation where you held back—where your voice stayed silent. Breathe deeply into that memory, and now imagine what it would feel like to speak up with confidence, trusting your voice in that moment. With each breath, feel any fear melt away as your voice grows stronger. You have the power to speak your truth.
Wrapping Up
Today, we explored the courage it takes to honor our voices, from the voting booth to the workplace and even around the family table. Remember, each time you stand firm in your truth, you’re not only making space for yourself—you’re showing others they can do the same. This week, I challenge you to find one moment where you can honor your voice. Whether it’s at the polls, in a conversation, or even in quiet reflection, let your voice be heard.
✨ Weekly Favorites Round-Up! ✨ I thought it’d be fun to start sharing some of the things that stood out for me each week! Here’s what made the list:
👓 Most Complimented: My go-to glasses—these Azalea Tortoiseshell frames from Zenni! Always a conversation starter!
📺 Show of the Week: The Martha Stewart Documentary on Netflix. It’s so inspiring to see the journey of a female mogul—it had me captivated!
🍵 Most Drank Tea: Magic Hour Teas are still my favorite, but I’d love to support a Black-owned tea brand. Any recommendations?
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the Brown Heart Podcast!
If today’s post resonated, share it with someone who needs this encouragement, and don’t forget to subscribe to the Brown Heart Musings. We’ll continue this journey next week as we explore how self-compassion and resilience can strengthen your voice even further.
With love and so much Brown Heart 🤎,
Samantha Edu