Cultivating Your Voice as Self-Care

As you mature and garner life experience, you discover your voice. Finding your voice is a process of discovery through trial and error. In your early years you are largely shaped by your parents or those who raised you. It is natural to take on their attitudes and approach to life. They are usually your first example of how to speak and respond. Your sense of “right and wrong” comes from their perspective which is influenced by what they were taught and experienced throughout their lives. As you continue to grow and have your own experiences, you start to define for yourself what is right and wrong. You may determine that you no longer share some of your parents’ norms and absolutes.

To cultivate or nurture your voice, one must first be confident they have found it. Here are some questions you must answer:

1. Who am I? How do I identify?

2. What do I believe? What things do I no longer believe? What matters most to me?

3. What things was I taught as a child that no longer serve me as an adult?

4. What is my purpose? What am I passionate about?

5. How do I feel about myself? How do I see myself moving through the world?

6. What are my strengths? What are my weaknesses?

The process of nurturing and refining your voice can only come through self-discovery. Your early years are molded and defined by those around you. As you mature, you must define yourself for yourself. As an adult, you can say who you are and what you believe without fear of discipline or rebuke. You should also be free to speak your truth boldly without fear, shame, or rejection. The process of self-discovery and learning to use your voice takes time.

After finding their voice, some will find it difficult to assert their voice, even into adulthood. Cultivating your voice is easier when you are surrounded by unconditional love and support. Your support may not come from a family member. It may be a friend or co-worker who sees and validates you. In either case, find your voice and cultivate it. It is the only way to live your life’s purpose and find joy.

Here’s to your health!