Reclaiming My Voice: What I Learned About Assertiveness and Healing
Reflection
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always held my tongue. Whether it was to stay safe, avoid conflict, or because I felt helpless, silence became my default. And sometimes, it worked. Sometimes, I was rewarded for it, because that’s how society often conditions young girls and women to behave—quiet, agreeable, non-disruptive.
But here’s the truth: I have strong opinions, and I know I’m wise. When I stay quiet, the world misses out on my brilliance, and I miss out on the opportunities for growth and connection that come with speaking my truth.
And it was affecting my mental health big time, so I needed to find a way to be assertive.
The Breaking Point
A few months ago, I found myself in a particularly difficult season of feeling unheard and misunderstood. It wasn’t just frustrating—it was exhausting. I had started saying only what I thought others wanted to hear, just to keep the peace or keep things moving.
But deep down, my heart was screaming. I had so much more to say, so much more to offer. And holding it all inside was taking a toll on my mental health. I felt disconnected from myself, unsure of who I even was anymore. I knew something had to change—I needed to reclaim my voice.
The Turning Point: Creating as Healing
Around that time, I decided to channel my emotions into a creative project. I wanted to express visually what I was struggling to articulate in words. The idea came to me to create two images that captured the tension between silence and expression—the tug-of-war I’d been living for so long.
The Process
I started by shooting two images of myself against a plain background. It was late in the day, with only a hint of natural light coming through. I wasn’t aiming for perfection, just an honest starting point.
After extracting the images in Canva, I moved to Photoshop to begin the editing process. For the fire effect, I followed a tutorial by Pixivu on YouTube, which included a downloadable brush. Watching the flames come to life on the screen felt cathartic, almost like my inner voice was finding a way to break free.
Captivating Title Options
- “Finding My Voice: The Journey to Speaking My Truth”
- “How Reclaiming My Voice Changed Everything”
- “From Silent to Strong: A Journey of Self-Expression”
- “The Power of Speaking Up: A Story of Courage and Growth”
- “Reclaiming My Voice: What I Learned About Assertiveness and Healing”
Expanded Blog Post: “Finding My Voice: The Journey to Speaking My Truth”
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always held my tongue. Whether it was to stay safe, avoid conflict, or because I felt helpless, silence became my default. And sometimes, it worked. Sometimes, I was rewarded for it, because that’s how society often conditions young girls and women to behave—quiet, agreeable, non-disruptive.
But here’s the truth: I have strong opinions, and I know I’m wise. When I stay quiet, the world misses out on my brilliance, and I miss out on the opportunities for growth and connection that come with speaking my truth.
The Breaking Point
A few months ago, I found myself in a particularly difficult season of feeling unheard and misunderstood. It wasn’t just frustrating—it was exhausting. I had started saying only what I thought others wanted to hear, just to keep the peace or keep things moving.
But deep down, my heart was screaming. I had so much more to say, so much more to offer. And holding it all inside was taking a toll on my mental health. I felt disconnected from myself, unsure of who I even was anymore. I knew something had to change—I needed to reclaim my voice.
The Turning Point: Creating as Healing
Around that time, I decided to channel my emotions into a creative project. I wanted to express visually what I was struggling to articulate in words. The idea came to me to create two images that captured the tension between silence and expression—the tug-of-war I’d been living for so long.
The Process
I started by shooting two images of myself against a plain background. It was late in the day, with only a hint of natural light coming through. I wasn’t aiming for perfection, just an honest starting point.
After extracting the images in Canva, I moved to Photoshop to begin the editing process. For the fire effect, I followed a tutorial by Pixivu on YouTube, which included a downloadable brush. Watching the flames come to life on the screen felt cathartic, almost like my inner voice was finding a way to break free.
The Message Behind the Images
When I look at the finished piece, I see more than just a creative project—I see a reflection of my journey. The fire represents the power of speaking my truth, the strength I’ve always had but often suppressed. The juxtaposition of the two images—one quiet, one ablaze—captures the transformation from silence to assertiveness.
Reclaiming my voice doesn’t mean I’m loud all the time or that I never choose silence. It means I’m intentional. I speak when it matters, and I speak from the heart. It’s about showing up for myself in a way that feels authentic and powerful.
What I’ve Learned About Reclaiming My Voice
This journey has taught me a few powerful lessons about finding and using my voice:
- Silence Isn’t Always Peace
Staying quiet to avoid conflict might feel easier in the moment, but it often creates more inner turmoil. Real peace comes from alignment—when your words and actions reflect your truth. - Being Assertive Is Not Being Aggressive
For a long time, I feared that speaking up would make me seem harsh or unkind. But assertiveness is about clarity and confidence, not confrontation. It’s saying, “This is what I need,” without apology. - Your Voice Matters
Even if it feels like no one is listening, speaking up is a way of honoring yourself. It’s a declaration of your worth and a reminder that your thoughts, feelings, and ideas are valid.
An Invitation to Speak Your Truth
If you’re reading this and resonating with the struggle to feel heard, I want to encourage you: your voice matters. Whether it’s in a conversation, a creative project, or even a journal, there’s power in expressing yourself.
Take a small step today. Say what’s in your heart, even if it feels scary. And know that every time you choose to use your voice, you’re reclaiming a piece of yourself.
Reflection Questions
- When was the last time you held back your thoughts? What stopped you?
- What’s one small way you can practice speaking your truth this week?
- How does your life feel different when you allow yourself to be fully seen and heard?
Reclaiming my voice hasn’t just been about finding the courage to speak—it’s been about rediscovering who I am. And that’s a journey I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Let me know if you’d like to explore your own creative or reflective process around this topic—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
