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How I’m Finding My Voice

by Cheri Gregory

The next cohort of the Growing Sensitive & Strong Group Coaching Pilot Program is forming. To receive full details, get on the waiting list now.

The next cohort of the Growing Sensitive & Strong Group Coaching Pilot Program is forming. To receive full details, get on the waiting list now.

 

Finding My Voice IMAGE

2013 was the year my tools quit working.

Of course, they hadn’t been working for a very long time.

So, 2013 was the year I finally became aware that my old tools weren’t working.

I’d finally stood up to the tyrant named Perfectionism. Called him out for the crimes he’s committed against my mother, against me, against my daughter.

And so, after years of silent submission, I began finding my voice.

Determined not to cave in to People-Pleasing one minute longer, took a ride on the all-or-nothing pendulum.

I started saying “NO!”

To everyone.

About everything.

I sounded like an out-of-control brat.

Shrapnel flew as I freely gave unsolicited pieces of my mind.

It was ugly.

SO. Very. Ugly.

Oh, what I fool I just made of myself!

How could I have said that?

I did it again?!? Will I never learn?

Lingering between “no longer” and “not yet.”

Grasping for new tools and trying desperately to learn how to use them.

It was messy.

SO. Very. Messy.

I hate not knowing what I’m doing.

I hate making so many mistakes.

I hate feeling like such a pathetic failure.

For protection–of my pride as much as anyone else’s feelings–I withdrew.

Isolated myself.

Wondered if I was losing my mind.

After all, isolation was a huge part my eating disorder.

Had I stumbled onto the “Go back to Start” square in life’s game of Chutes and Ladders?

Or was I, perhaps, in a time of quiet preparation for coming changes?

Earlier this week, I spoke some difficult, unpopular truths.

And although I wish my voice had not shaken, that I had used more precise diction, that I had ended strongly rather than trailing off in emotion, I did not stay silent.

I’m finding my voice.

Yesterday, I advocated for myself.

I made a clear statement. My tone was neutral but firm. I did not elaborate or explain.

I did not say silent.

I’m finding my voice.

Last night, as anger flashed and crisis threatened, I quietly said, “No. Not now.” I did not melt down. I did not fight fear for fear. I did not run and hide. I waited. I rested. I prayed.

Today, I have an idea of what to ask, what to say.

I don’t know what I’m doing.

I will probably make mistakes.

But unless I fail to try, I will never be a failure. (Click to Tweet this.)

I will not stay silent.

I’m finding my voice.

And learning to use it well.

Your Turn!

  • How are you finding and using your voice?
  • In what way(s) are you living between “no longer” and “not yet”?
  • Anything else on your heart!

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About Cheri Gregory

I'm a collaborator at heart. With Kathi Lipp, I'm the co-author of You Don't Have to Try So Hard and Overwhelmed. With Amy Carroll, I'm the co-host of Grit 'n' Grace: The Podcast and co-author of Exhale. With Denise J. Hughes, I'm the co-author of Sensitive & Strong. I've been married to my college sweetheart, Daniel, for almost 32 years and have two adult children: Annemarie and Jonathon.

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Comments

  1. carol boley says

    February 24, 2014 at 5:20 pm

    Yay! That is worth celebrating. Thank you for sharing so we can rejoice with you, Cheri. You inspire me.

    Reply
  2. Trudy says

    February 20, 2014 at 10:16 pm

    Thank you for being so “real,” Cheri. So glad you’re finding your voice! Joining you on the journey.

    Reply
  3. andrea says

    February 20, 2014 at 9:57 pm

    Bravo for speaking up for yourself. Sometimes the truth is hard and unpopular. But God will direct your steps on this journey. Blessings.
    Andrea (group 12).

    Reply
  4. bette elliott says

    February 20, 2014 at 8:05 pm

    Cheri,
    I must say reading what you just wrote made me want to stand up and yell “She’s Got It” I am so very proud of your
    intentional actions. Yippee, feel good, dance for joy. You must know you gave our Lord joy because you are growing, and you are growing into the person He realized all along that you are.
    Congratulations sister,
    Bette

    Reply

Hi, I’m Cheri Gregory. I’m delighted you’re here!

Cheri Gregory
I believe that every Highly Sensitive Christian woman can grow in confidence, candor, and contentment.

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