When I first decided to make my October blog about finding your voice, I planned to come at the subject from a writer’s perspective.
Find Your Voice.
In other words, what is your style? Punctuation. Syntax. Character development. Something that makes you stand out. A unique voice in a sea of millions.
However, as the events of the last few weeks have unfolded, the definition shifted and broadened in my mind. Sexual harassment in all its disgusting and varied forms has been around since the dawn of time. Ugly and pervasive, the damage can, and does, last a lifetime.
What has given me hope in so much gloom, are the voices crying out from the darkness? Everyday. More and more.
Women have come forward with their stories and empowered other women to do the same. After years of living in shame and fear. After thinking they were alone and had nowhere to turn. They Found Their Voices.
Now, we need to keep the voices strong and loud. We can’t let ourselves go back. Or forget. Or pretend things are better because we want them to be.
Women need to support each other. Men need to step up and lend their support. Don’t point fingers at the victims. We all need to do better. Teach your children well. Teach them respect. Teach them compassion. Teach them to Use Their Voices.
Every day. For ourselves and future generations.
Be brave. Be kind. Be strong.
Be vocal.
Mary J. Williams