Apologise For What!

It’s incredible to think that as we grow and evolve from somewhat voiceless girls when we are younger into strong independent women that know our own minds, have battled and navigated our way through the war zone of life and finally come to a place of peace where we recognise our voice and are brave enough to speak up; we are advised by others to ‘tone it down‘!

Now I am not man bashing but just speaking my truth and keeping it as real as I can with you. For most of my life I have had to battle and deal with people, namely of the opposite sex both professionally and personally telling me that I am too emotional, that I am too headstrong, that I think I am always right and that I should choose my ‘tone of voice‘ in a more productive way. Now anyone that knows me well can tell you that I am the first to admit my shortcomings and I have to work very hard on my self development because I am a work in progress.

However I have realised something very powerful...whilst I have been busy analysing what I thought I should be doing to fit in to somebody else’s view of who they think I should be, I have inadvertently given away my power and allowed myself to feel like I should apologise for being ambitious and knowing my own mind, that I should apologise for speaking up for myself and others, that I should apologise for voicing my opinion and knowing my own strength, that I should apologise for my solution driven mind and dumb down my high emotional intelligence.

Well well well ladies I tell you what at 41 years of age I choose to apologise for what????? I choose to apologies for nothing!!!!

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It’s Time To Speak Up!

Melinda Ann Gates is an American philanthropist, a former general manager at Microsoft oh and just so happens to be married to Bill Gates famously said ”A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult”.

Here are some things that have helped me on my journey:

1. Ask for what you want. Stand and let your voice be heard.

2. Believe in yourself. If you don’t know what value you bring to the table, no one else will.

3. Contribute with purpose and confidence.

4. Do your homework and come to the table with an opinion that you can always back up.

Finding your voice is the first step towards getting and keeping a seat at any table whether it be in your home or at work. It isn’t always easy and the biggest thing your going to have to overcome is your own self belief but think about it this way, what is worse, taking a chance and speaking up or staying silent and never being heard... the choice is yours.

Stay blessed and humble

Ax