Voice

A new exploration with voice in motherhood

I’m in an interesting place with voice as I’ve entered motherhood. 

Voice, a term I use to encompass self-expression, writing, visibility, etc., has never been straightforward for me - it’s always been a dance between outward expression and inward reflection, and I know I have a tendency to default to the latter. In other words, my soul craves self-expression and connection though my comfort zone is to keep to myself.

Because this balance has been so tricky for me, it’s also why I’m quite fascinated by it. Many of my creations have been centered around finding your voice, and owning your story as it’s what I have needed for myself.

As I’ve begun this work a few years ago, I find that I’m working through several layers in several different stages. And each time I get comfortable with my voice then comes another layer where once again, I need to find my footing.

In motherhood, I feel conflicting voices on where I stand with self-expression. Part of me wants to stay quiet and protect my peace because dealing with being misunderstood, being judged, or even dealing with online debates with people on the internet just doesn’t seem worth it.

The other part of me wants to share more because how many aspects around the feminine, motherhood, and the heroine’s journey have we said “Why didn’t anyone tell me? Why does no one talk about this?”

The truth is, there is a deeper desire to express and I’ve been feeling a bit blocked in my throat. I know moving forward is going to be very messy, because that’s the reality of life these days, and the perfectionist in me hates messy. 

This next stage will require more tender care as now I not only have myself to think about, I have my daughter. And with that, comes a lot more purpose but also a lot more fear as it feels like a lot more is on the line now (regardless of what I choose).

A lot is unclear from here but what holds true is the desire to express, connect and show up. We will see what manifests from here.

I’d like to leave you with some questions to reflect on yourself. Whether you journal on these or ponder them in the shower. And if you feel called, I’d love to hear what you discover for yourself:

Reader reflection:

Where you are in your exploration of voice? What stage do you feel you are in? What feels true for you in expression? What’s the balance between outward expression and inward reflection for you?