As human beings, we are so bombarded by gossip, loud noise and messages about how we should be living our lives, it’s no wonder many of us become overwhelmed and get confused about what we really want to say to each other. Courageously Speak Your Truth: I have written extensively on different ways to express yourself. Instead of repeating myself here, I encourage you to peruse my Communications category on my Blog where you will find a number of tools to support you. Two specific articles that may help are: 15 Ways to Say No and 15 Ways to Express Needs and Desires. Even if you probably avoid conflict and tension, you’ll never regret it. It reflects your courage, bravery, and most importantly, integrity. Fear of Conflict: It’s tough to step into the fire of conflict and be disagreeable while being nice. The edgy grittiness of the bad girl/boy may be useful if you are to stand in the heat of conflict with strength and integrity.

Make your way to any water cooler or happy hour and you’ll find plenty of folks complaining, comparing, and airing their grievances. But genuine expressions of hurt, discomfort, and sadness are far rarer. Like anything and everything else in life, the best way to get better, deepen our capacity, and grow is to practice. I ask if this is the truth she writes about in her book, the one she felt unable to share until now. In part, she replies, but not entirely. There’s also the fact she was an introvert by nature, working in an environment where being effervescently energetic was encouraged. “If you were quiet it would be seen as odd, not making an effort,” she says. “It was expected, and rightly so, that you were there to entertain.” I hope this article was able to help you gain insight into the reasons why you should speak your truth. It may not be easy, but it’s something that you’ll never regret doing at the end of the day. Speak up: Ask yourself, “What conversation needs to be had so I feel seen and heard moving forward?”

UNCONSCIOUS BELIEF: I must protect my partner’s emotions over claiming my desires. What I want isn’t as important as other people’s happiness. Determine your Role: Determine what role you are playing in the situation. Are you allowing people to take advantage of you? Are you enabling others? Are you not asking for help? Explore your part in the situation knowing that you are not a victim. You are responsible for what is happening by allowing it to happen. Relentless Inner Critic: A voice trained to live in a dark cave has a strong inner critic to keep it there. You learned to judge yourself relentlessly, and to be cautious, and now your inner critic cautions you at every turn. It questions your natural inclinations, your spontaneity; and it ensures that you don’t stand out, and judges you when you do. Imagine the freedom and power we would possess! It’s not at all about getting in people’s faces and challenging them, although sometimes it might take that form. Speaking the truth is rewarding. Speaking only the truth opens up new paths in life, relationships and even careers. While difficult, focusing on being 100% honest is a characteristic that should be strived for every day. People who speaks the truths have more to offer than people who lie. Here are 13 reasons why you should always speak the truth. 1. It opens your heart

Like anything, willingness is a critical component to put something into action. So one must be willing to step courageously into sharing our truth and expressing it fully. Depending on the setting and situation, some sharing might be easier than others. Once we are fully in tune and aligned with our truth, this step actually becomes easier over time. In fact, Oprah’s speech at the Golden Globes actually used the word “truth” five times. First, she praised the press, observing that “it’s the insatiable dedication to uncovering the absolute truth that keeps us from turning a blind eye to corruption and to injustice.” Next, segueing to the #MeToo moments of recent months, she declared that “speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have. And I’m especially proud and inspired by all the women who have felt strong enough and empowered enough to speak up and share their personal stories.” Get in the habit of honoring your preferences, even if they’re seemingly inconsequential. After all, today it’s what to watch on Netflix, but a year from now, it might be what city to move to, or whether or not to have a second kid, or what to do with your lottery winnings. 6. Tell someone you care for that you care for them.These things are not just an inspirational message, they are attainable with self-inquiry and teachable skills! There is certainly “work” to living this way, but it can be done! It starts by tapping into your needs, truth and desires and fully owning them. Then, learning the tools to speak your truth, set your boundary, and honor yourself above all else. Your body knows. Truth is found in feelings. Therefore listen when the body speaks. Instead of judging your somatic response as bad or wrong, simply see it as information serving your wellbeing; as guiding you away from staying late for work, chairing a board, or being there for your inconsolable friend…again! 5 Steps to Reclaiming Your Voice “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” ~ Anais Nin