Anyone who knows me, knows that I tend to say exactly what I’m thinking. I’m not, and I’ve never been one for not vocalizing my opinions. I’m pretty sure positive that this made me difficult as a child. And…let’s be honest, I’m pretty sure it makes me occasionally difficult as a wife. (No comment is necessary here, Rob.)
Over the years, I’ve become a bit better at censoring myself in certain situations, but when it’s important, or I feel it’s important, I say something. I’m not good at swallowing my feelings, and I’m certainly not good and keeping my mouth shut! I think this is a good thing (for the most part) because I’ve seen so many of the women in my life keep quiet when they should be doing anything but.
I have a daughter who shares many of my traits (for better and for worse, let’s be honest…) and one of the traits that she has in common with me, is this incredible ability to say exactly what she feels. When she feels it. All. The. Time.
Yes, this can be ‘challenging’ and when she was younger, and not quite as verbally eloquent, it was very difficult. But the trade off is that I know she’ll speak up. She’ll say what’s on her mind. If she sees a wrong, I have no doubt that she will say something to attempt to correct it. When she’s older and in a relationship, the person she’s with will know exactly where they stand. She won’t be silent.
And I’m so glad.
There will be times, when like me, she’ll get in trouble for speaking up. There will be times when it won’t be appreciated and people will be angry. BUT… there will be the times when she defends a friend. When she speaks out about an injustice at school or work. When she tells someone who is treating her poorly, exactly where to go…and hopefully, how to get there.
Recently, I heard the song, Brave, by Sara Bareilles for the first time. I downloaded it instantly (thank you Songza app) because the lyrics of this song are so powerful and the message is clear, “Say what you want to say, let the words fall out. Honestly. I want see you be brave.”
I can’t get this song out of my head, and I think it’s because of the message that I want to give to both of my kids…People aren’t always going to like what you have to say, but if it’s important, if you believe in it, SAY IT! Be brave.
If you haven’t heard it, do yourself a favor and check it out.
This is the official lyric video.
I wanna hear how ‘big your brave is’. What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to say? Or a time when you had to speak up?
