Page 11 of Chapter 2

For too long, my voice was stolen—drowned out by others’ expectations, silenced by fear, buried under the weight of circumstances I didn’t ask for. I spent years holding back, second-guessing myself, swallowing words that needed to be spoken. I let misunderstandings shape my reality because I didn’t believe I had the right, the strength, or the space to correct them.

But that time is over. I have reclaimed my voice, and now that I have it, I refuse to let it go unheard. I am a communicator, not just in the way I speak but in the way I live. My words carry weight, and I intend to use them effectively. No longer will I allow silence to be my prison. No longer will I trade my truth for the illusion of peace.

Communication is more than just talking; it is the bridge between isolation and connection, between being overlooked and being understood. It is the tool I use to define myself instead of letting the world do it for me. But before I could speak with clarity, I had to learn to listen—to myself first. I had to ask the hard questions: What do I truly believe? What do I want? What do I stand for? I had to dig through years of suppressed thoughts and emotions, unlearning the habit of making myself small.

Now, I speak with intention. My words are not just noise to fill the air—they are chosen, deliberate, and meaningful. I no longer fear expressing myself, even if it makes others uncomfortable. I am not here to please; I am here to be real. To be honest. To be heard. I have spent too long allowing doubt to water down my message, but not anymore.

Finding my voice has been an act of self-liberation. It has given me back my power, my confidence, and my sense of self. I will no longer allow my truth to be hidden or distorted. I will no longer shrink myself for anyone’s comfort. Instead, I will embrace the power of my words, use them to inspire, to challenge, and to connect.

I am here. I am speaking. And this time, I will not be silenced.

🫰❣️🫖 JRT

🎨 ArtCredit: Raven Shaolin Bluefeather