VALUE OF A VOICE

While I think both my life and story are outrageous, extreme in every sense of the word, in terms of sharing these things and my personal stories publicly I can see how there might be some benefit in this. Or, maybe better put, I’m starting to gain some real clarity around this. Reasoning, a “why,” purpose; call it whatever you like. The value of a voice.

Now, what I’m about to say is nothing about specialness or exclusivity, in fact, I hope my words here inspire people to speak their own truths that little bit more. Yep, anybody can do this – ideally!

But yeah, sharing your message, standing for something, being an ambassador, speaking about a passion, advocacy, being vulnerable, telling a personal story; I reckon it’s a cool thing to do. Very worthwhile. It brings life. It oozes authenticity. It can give you that bit more dimension. And specifically, if your message can somehow intertwine with your life story and being, this is extra cool.

To give you a bit of idea of what I mean, when I’m scrolling on social media, I never bother with superficial or advertisement type crap. All the “look at me” or “what’s in it for them” stuff. I want something real, something with the human edge, and I feel like lots of other people are similar here too. Actually, I looooovve reading long-winded introspections (and the more personal the better, with a bit of a twist and storyteller vibe of course), and this is what stops my scroll. I want to “see YOU.”

I’m sure I’ve touched upon all this before though, blah chocolate and cupcakes, still, I don’t believe I’ve quite put this spin on it.

You see, this new bit of clarity that I’m starting to gain, it’s that sharing your message and speaking your truth about your life, this is the gold. It’s like the pinnacle of humanity (or, the human experience if you will); it’s no wonder why so many people write memoirs.

Yet, it’s not all about the writer or speaker; like for the audience they get to connect with, dare I say it, somebody’s soul on a deeper level. Or, like I just said, to “see you.” Or, to paint the clear contrast, there’s a huge difference between flogging tshirts and sharing your heart.

It’s kinda not for everyone though; or maybe it is, I’m still thinking about this.

I mean, it’s probably best that people have a certain level of comfort and security within themselves before baring their soul. Trolling and character assassination are very real problems. Depends what you’re talking about hey. Hence, I’d say that there is a sweet spot and balance that you probably do need to find.

I guess the idealist in me wishes that everybody could (and should be able to) own their truths, unashamedly. Joe Rogan style.

Okay, now, as I do so often, I’ll use my own life to illustrate. Again, this is nothing about specialness or exclusivity, I think what I’m wanting to demonstrate is that a powerful message and “a story” gives people something to relate to, even points of reference that they can bounce off from. But, er, by saying that here I’m probably getting ahead of myself.

Like, where I should be starting from, in this weird and wonderful way I believe that “my story” has had this funny flow-on effect of normalising adversity. Or, at least for the people who do read my stuff, my stories have made adversity much less scary – especially disability. My words, well I hope so, they’ve created some understanding around what may have been originally some pretty confronting topics.

Alright, now we’ll talk about transgender women in sports… um, nah no we won’t. Presidential immunity? Swimming in the Seine? Nepotism? Nuclear power? Israel? Biden stepping down? Caitlin Clark being bullied? Nah. Not too keen on entering the danger zone today. Opinions, editorials and straight-up commentary on world events isn’t really my thing. My niche, my lane so to speak, is much more simple. The value in my voice is one of “making adversity okay.” To express and bring attention to scenarios that are completely insignificant on the world stage, yet as far as everyday inspiration (especially for somebody out there trying to leave Struggle Town), I’m your man.

And I guess this is what I’m trying to say, we don’t all have to go big time and reach the stars. Scale is relative, plus very reflective of your personal ambition combined with talent. What’s more important, at least as a starting point (if you do want to grow that is), it’s to touch the hearts of those around you. To be in service. And from this platform, this is the best place to start doing that extra cool thing – speaking your truth.

Hone your message, discover what you truly stand for; sure! Just make sure that you’re helping and contributing. Which, this is my point, if you’re sharing from a place of personal stories (wins/failures), or even about lessons you’ve learnt along the way, like I said earlier, this is the gold.

You are enough and your voice is worthy.

This is what people want and what they’re looking for.

Even if you’re not aware of it yet, see, the hidden beauty in all this is that you’re subconsciously (or, sometimes consciously) giving others “permission” to succeed, to live or to express themselves creatively. With authenticity.

To speak their truth too.

Yep, as confusing as this whole back and forth has become today, the intellectual ballet, the ranting lunatic rendezvous, nevertheless, really it all comes down to being able to illuminate the path for others.

This is what the true value of your voice is.

And we all can do this, we can all share from this place; what’s more is that we all know the how or what of something that sets us apart.

For example, I know absolutely nothing about beauty routines whereas other folks are all-over this stuff. I was actually being teased about this just yesterday, “what’s your beauty routine – water!”

So, long story short… it’s our individuality and often unique understandings that give our voice the most value – this, for reference, this is one of the limitations of artificial intelligence, and will probably always be. Connection, empathy, your audience will always remember how you made them feel.

Simple systems, easy implementation.

All you need to help is one person, that’s of course if you choose pursuing some sort of activity with depth. Or, I suppose, if you wanna live a life that’s a little less ordinary.

#nooneisyouandthatisyourpower