Lately, I've been reflecting over my life, and I just realized that for the most part of my life journey, I was an introvert. I struggled like most teenagers with identity and self-esteem, and often felt awkward and socially out-of-place when interacting with others. I grew up in a city that prided itself in superficiality. Your wardrobe, your mode of transportation (i.e. the bus v. personal vehicle), and your physical appearance were often deemed more important than your actual character and conduct. I was the fourth child in a single parent home, and had limited financial access to the things that my city deemed essential for social acceptance, which in turn fueled my desire to remain under the radar. I often spoke very softly, which I thought was a sign of humility. Often I would even mumble incoherently when voicing my opinion to avoid conflict.
Until one day, my mom caught onto what I was doing. "Speak up and articulate. I cannot understand what you are saying." My mom did not want me to avoid conflict, and to use humility as a façade to cover my true feelings. She wanted me to be confident in conflict and to speak up boldly. Every time I tried to revert back, she would vehemently say, "Speak up and do not mumble. Articulate!" When she would say those words, my insides would just churn like butter, but now, as an adult I appreciate my mother's words. I was only an introvert because I thought less of myself, and as my confidence grew with maturity, I shed those introverted ways, remaining humble but without the mumble. 29 days of 2017 have already passed. I would like to challenge you to speak up this year! Do not use a façade of humility to avoid conflict. Instead, articulate your feelings and thoughts in a tactful manner, and press passed your insecurities. The world needs to hear you, I need to hear you! Your voice matters. Thoughts...
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AuthorAkon M. Walker, MPA, motivates readers to transform words of inspiration into life application. Archives
June 2019
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