Owning Your Voice

When’s the last time you caught yourself dimming your own light?
Minimizing your ideas or softening your questions? Letting others take credit for your work? Being spoken over — in a meeting, in groups, even with friends? Or saying to yourself:

• “I’ll just keep this thought/idea/question to myself.”

• “Everyone here knows more than I do.”

Here’s a truth teller: you’re not for everyone, and everyone isn’t for you. And that’s OK. But also know that your voice wasn’t made for the background. When we downplay our voice — in the workplace, in our relationships, even within ourselves — we trade truth for approval, and that comes at a cost.

Why We Still Dim Our Light

Women’s roles have evolved dramatically, and that will always be celebrated. We’re leaders, innovators, advocates, and trailblazers. And yet, we still dim our light — both personally and professionally. Sometimes more than we’d like to admit.

Even in midlife, our voices can be overlooked or dismissed. Not because they lack value, but because they disrupt comfort zones. That’s when wisdom becomes our tool and our teacher. Midlife invites us to discover boldness — to find our voice, take a stance, and care less about what others think, while caring more about living authentically.

Still, the dimming doesn’t completely disappear. The difference now? We decide how to handle it — whether to engage, to walk away, or to barrel right through.

The Midlife Advantage

Here’s another truth teller: you’ve survived enough to know your worth. The years, the experiences, the lessons — they’ve built you.

When doubt creeps in, keep this affirmation handy: “I will keep my inner light lit.”

Putting It in Practice

• Read the room — then speak up. Someone else is likely thinking the same thing you are.

• Have an opinion and own it. Respectfully and assertively. Sugar-coating helps no one.

• Take the compliment. “Thank you.” “I appreciate you noticing.” Period. No explanations. No deflections.

• Wear it — proudly. Whatever it is: your confidence, your style, your accomplishments. Own them without apology.

I hold myself accountable here, too. Awareness builds practice. Practice becomes habit.

Protecting Your Energy

We are the average of the five “people” we spend the most time with — and “people” can mean more than just those in the room. Think podcasts, books, online communities, media — they all shape our energy.

Some of that energy is fuel. Some of it is a slow leak. The leaks? I spot them faster now. There’s a certain static in the air, and I know instantly it’s not for me. Boundaries on. No explanation needed. Full stop.

Groundwork complete, here’s your challenge: Do three small acts this week to own your presence. Celebrate how brightly you shine, and keep shining. Your accomplishments are yours — own them.

Keep your inner light lit… and blaze forward!

Until next time — be a good HUMAN ✨