So how do you find your voice?

Well, this, my friend, is what I am on a mission to find out.

What does ‘finding your voice’ even mean? What does it mean to you? To me, it’s multi-layered. On one level, it’s simply about the act of speaking, of pushing past feeling shy or tongue-tied. But, on a deeper level, it’s about finding your confidence, your purpose and your unique expression, creatively and in the world. It’s about being authentic to who you are and owning it. Unapologetically.

There seem to be two parts to it: knowing who you are and being willing to express that in the world. There is definitely a self-worth piece in there too. As Madonna would say, “express yourself, don’t repress yourself.” Simple, but sage advice and easier said than done.

OK, so most people have a voice, but who has a ‘voice’?  Writers have a voice. Activists use their voice. Singers (obviously) have particularly appealing voices…comedians, politicians, entrepreneurs, teachers, your boss, your next-door neighbour, that influencer on social media…anyone who is getting an idea across or sharing something of themselves in the wider world has a ‘voice’.

So how do we find this ‘voice’? How can we wield it? What steps must we take to be completely and uniquely ourselves? What inner work needs to be done and what wisdom can be gleaned from those who have found and are using their voices? How did they do it? Well, that’s what this little project is about.

I’m going to draw inspiration from fascinating people who have found their voices in myriad ways. Think people who use their voices to stand up for what they believe in and make an impact on the world. Think writers and artists who have found, through trial and error, their distinctive style and creative vision. Think people who have overcome adversity and gone on to share their gift with the world. I’m going to see how exactly they did it and (digging deep) will use my own voice, in conversation with some of these amazing people, to hear their stories and learn from them.

Stories are powerful catalysts for change and my hope is that their wisdom and sharing will inspire you too.