Wait. Do you hear that?
Do you too have voices that are getting in the way? Are you aware of one majorly loud voice that’s interrupting yours?
I recently made a list of voices that tell my own voice to pipe down. Some were newer voices. Some were incredibly old and I was still listening to them without realizing it. Yes, I also enjoyed noting the encouraging voices, but the number of subversive ones surprised me!
Who let these sabotaging voices in here?
Some didn’t even necessarily start out with the intention to keep me quiet. I interpreted them that way. Over the years, some have grown nasty biting teeth and when they nip, I silence myself.
Be gone, I say!
We have voices that are louder than our own. Voices that we may give more credence to than our own. They are known by various names – saboteur, monkey mind, limiters, well meaning friends, etc. We can tame them with practice.
Decide on your own ritual to remove them. Here are a few suggestions:
- Make a list and burn it.
- Share a cup of tea and ask each one to leave, thanking them for what they offered and telling them “no thank you.”
- Tell friends and have a mutual sharing and banishment.
- Take a class or commit to a new hobby that feeds your inner voice.
- Calmly and confidently address each voice individually and tell each one why you are braver.
- Close your eyes. Envision blue and white light being absorbed into your body as you inhale and red light leaving as you exhale. You are in control of your brain and thoughts – let the limiting and sabotaging voices out and open up to the affirmative.
- Wear a rubber band or hair band around your wrist. Every time you hear or think of those silencing voices, snap that band. Train your brain to focus and not let them impact your awesome self.
Stop the shouting match with other opinions in your head.
Refuse to be shushed by old comments. Stand up for your voice. The world needs the fullness of you and your authentic full voice. Voice on!
Hilary Blair is a leadership keynote speaker based out of Denver, CO, and is the co-founder of ARTiculate: Real & Clear. She is also a highly regarded, actor, improviser, facilitator, voice-over artist, and voice expert coach. Contact us today to learn more.
