Finding your voice is more than just learning how to speak—it’s about figuring out who you are, what you want, and how to express that in a way that feels true to you. For most of my life, I struggled with unhealed wounds and habits that silenced my authentic voice. It wasn’t just about speaking up; it was about being vulnerable, standing firm in my choices, and letting go of the need to constantly please others. As I’ve navigated this journey of self-discovery, I’ve realized how my voice can also be a powerful tool for creativity. Here’s how I’ve found my voice in two key areas: life and art.
Finding My Voice in Life
For years, I carried the weight of unhealed wounds—experiences that I buried deep instead of confronting. They shaped how I interacted with the world. I was afraid of being too much, afraid of saying no, and afraid of letting anyone see the parts of me that felt broken. In a way, I silenced myself to keep the peace, to make others happy, and to avoid conflict.
But as I grew older, I realized this wasn’t sustainable. The cost of people-pleasing was losing touch with myself. I started to notice how much pressure I put on myself to be everything for everyone, and how that left me with no energy to focus on my own needs. It became clear that if I wanted to truly find my voice, I needed to make some changes.
Talking About My Feelings
The first step was learning to talk about my feelings. Vulnerability didn’t come naturally to me. I was always the type to bottle things up, convincing myself that no one needed to know when I was struggling. But I’ve learned that being open about my feelings doesn’t make me weak—it makes me human.
Sharing my thoughts with trusted friends, family, and even through writing has been transformative. It’s helped me process my emotions and connect with others in ways I never thought possible. Vulnerability isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to claim your voice and let others truly see you.
Standing Up for Myself
Another crucial part of finding my voice was learning to stand up for myself. For a long time, I avoided confrontation at all costs. I’d say yes when I wanted to say no, and I’d let people cross boundaries because I didn’t want to upset anyone. But I realized that staying silent wasn’t protecting me—it was keeping me stuck.
Now, I make a conscious effort to stand firm in my decisions and set boundaries. Saying no doesn’t mean I don’t care about others; it means I’m finally caring about myself. Every time I assert myself, it feels like a small victory—a reminder that my voice matters.
Letting Go of Perfection
One of the hardest things for me has been letting go of the pressure to be perfect. I used to hold myself to impossibly high standards, always worried about whether I was doing enough or being enough. But perfection isn’t the goal. Growth is.
Finding my voice has meant embracing the idea that it’s okay to make mistakes, to be imperfect, and to take things one step at a time. It’s about trusting that who I am—flaws and all—is enough.
Finding My Voice Creatively
As I’ve grown more confident in my voice, I’ve realized its potential for creative expression. Writing, singing, and storytelling have always been outlets for me, but now they feel more authentic because I’m bringing my full self to the table.
Turning Vulnerability Into Art
The same vulnerability that I’ve embraced in my personal life has become a cornerstone of my creative process. Whether I’m writing a blog, a song, or a poem, I’ve found that my best work comes when I’m honest about my experiences.
There’s something powerful about taking the parts of yourself that you used to hide and turning them into art. It’s a way of reclaiming your story and connecting with others who might feel the same way. Creativity isn’t just about making something beautiful—it’s about making something real.
Saying No to Creative Pressure
In the past, I used to put so much pressure on myself to create the “perfect” song or the “perfect” piece of writing. But I’ve learned that creativity doesn’t thrive under pressure. It thrives when you give yourself the freedom to explore, make mistakes, and try again.
Now, I approach my creative work with more compassion. I remind myself that it’s okay if something isn’t perfect or if I need to take a break. My voice is always there, even when the process feels messy.
Letting Go of People-Pleasing in Art
Just like in life, I’ve had to let go of people-pleasing habits in my creative work. It’s tempting to try to create what you think others want to hear or see, but that often leads to work that feels hollow. I’ve found that the most meaningful art comes from a place of authenticity, not from a desire to please others.
When I create for myself—for the joy of expressing my truth—I find that it resonates with people in ways I never expected. It’s a reminder that your voice doesn’t have to be perfect or polished to make an impact. It just has to be yours.
Embracing My Voice
Finding my voice has been a journey of growth, courage, and self-discovery. It’s meant healing old wounds, standing up for myself, and letting go of the things that used to hold me back. It’s also meant embracing the messy, imperfect process of creativity and trusting that my voice is enough.
Whether I’m navigating life or pouring my heart into a song, I’ve learned that my voice is one of the most powerful tools I have. It’s a way to connect, to heal, and to create. And the more I use it, the stronger it becomes.
