“Rae, do you still experience fear when it comes to using your voice?” — I get asked this question so often. And my response is… a resounding YES.

I do. I still fear:

• Saying something and sounding stupid, especially when I talk about topics I’m still growing my knowledge and perspective in
• Offending others/ stepping on their toes/ receiving hate
• Messing up what is have to say and not meeting my extremely high standards for myself

But it’s in these moments that I anchor myself on a vision greater than my fear, knowing that with every post I create, every speech I deliver, and every conversation I have, I am empowering at least one person to Own their Voice. I know that I’m taking steps towards creating a world that feels safe for us to speak up with authenticity and kindness.

I know that the work I do can change the world, and it has already changed the world. I know that a world where we are happier and more fulfilled using our gifts will result in less conflict and less hate. I observe that conflict and hate are all manifestations of individual unhappiness and unfulfillment. I know that when people Own their Voice, each and every person will be serving the function they are meant to serve, making the world more aligned and productive.

I ground myself in my vision every single day. It pulls me through the toughest times.

I watched this amazing series on Netflix, the live action series, Avatar, the Last Airbender.

In this world, the 4 elements are in war. Well, specifically, the Fire Nation has waged a war against everyone, wanting to conquer all and rule the world. The ONLY one that can save the world is the Avatar, who can master the bending of all four elements.

Aang, who’s the Avatar, has always been ahead of others during training. Many kids were jealous of how good he was, such that he didn’t need to train much. But Aang wished he wasn’t the Avatar. He just wanted to be a normal boy.

The reality is that he IS the Avatar. He has the power to save the world, IF he chooses to use it.

In this scene, Aang was getting advice from one of the past Avatars through his meditation. He said: “I don’t know how to save the world! What if I can’t control my powers? What if I hurt someone along the way?”

To which the past Avatar replied… (look below)

Just like Aang, each and everyone of us have a unique gift and message to contribute to the world. We worry what will happen if we use our voice, we’re worried we will offend or hurt some people. But think about the people out there who are suffering, people who are waiting for you to touch their hearts?

Each and every one of us has a unique function in this world, and it’s up to us to serve it. The people who are meant to be inspired, will. And those who won’t resonate, won’t.

Of course, there are ways to grow the effectiveness and impact of our voice, which is what we work on in the Own Your Voice Circle. But no strategies and practice will work if you aren’t willing to accept that there WILL be people who are offended or disappointed when you boldly use your voice.

Here’s my question for you: How will you use your voice if you know that people will disagree no matter what you do or don’t do? How will this change the way you show up?

Let’s Connect!

Share with me your thoughts in the comments, or share your insights to your audience and tag me on Instagram or LinkedIn.