Your Unique Voice

Your Unique Voice

This past weekend I was at a Christian youth conference teaching about how to know and use your gifts and talents. The children and youth came eager to learn. About half of the youth, who were expected, showed up since we were pummeled with snow the night before. 

Their attendance was impressive, as was their discipline and dedication throughout the conference. They were great active listeners and had the best questions for the other speakers and sessions. 

One of the topics I touched on during my workshop was about valuing our own voice. This is something I’m still in the process of learning but I will share with you what I’ve learned and what encourages me to continue to write. 

One of the greatest struggles any creative will have to face is self-doubt. Whether you, the creative person, is writing a book, crafting a song or script or even making an invention you will always have a voice in the back of your mind challenging if what you are doing is necessary or important.

I think for creative people there is a need to create, share and bring others into your experience. We create for different reasons, some out of sense to teach or help. For others it could be just the beauty and joy of creating for creating sake. 

I used to struggle with my motivations for wanting to write and if it was at all necessary. Over the years I’ve learned that each of us have our own voice and if we want to create, there will be someone, somewhere who benefits. 

There will always be others who do it better and that’s ok. Your story may even be similar to other stories, but when it comes from you it has that unique part that only you can contribute. There are people who will only be able to hear and see things because you created it. There are people that only you will be able to reach. We each have the power to influence our own circles and the ripple effect of those circles. Some of my favourite writers are probably unknown by the general public but still they influenced my life and caused me to want to write.

One of my friends, that I was coaching a few years ago, had her own story to tell. As we looked at the notes of her memoir there were unique pieces of her story that would probably resonate with many women around the world. Specifically her story of escaping domestic violence, being an immigrant in Canada and raising two children is a painful story that will give hope to many other women. Her experiences come from her point of view and her cultural background. Her lens is influenced by the many factors that went into her upbringing.

There are many who may only get to hear the message of hope because of her. In the beginning she struggled with the decision to write it in English or Spanish and later decided to write in Spanish. It was a great idea spurred on by her unique identity that helped her to fully express herself in her writing. Now she and a few other women she was connected to finished their first book! They all write from their unique point of view sharing about overcoming domestic violence. The book is called “Women, Fairies and Godmothers”.

For International Women’s Day she has been invited to present the book at the Mexican embassy in Ottawa!  Women, Fairies and Godmothers

Another friend, Donna, from my writers group also had an important story to tell. Her life story has been used in the past to bring healing to many youth. Now her new book that focuses on the lessons she learned while supporting loved ones through addiction and mental illness will help many families struggling with the same. She and her husband Bill have created a devotional book called “Hope for an Unwanted Journey” her experiences will now help not only those around her but many who have needed this type of book and support. Hope for an Unwanted Journey

If you have something creative you want to bring into the world don’t hesitate. The world is waiting for what you have to offer!

Have you ever felt like your voice wasn’t important? What other things hold you back from adding on your contribution?