Let Us Be Loud

I’ve grown up with anxieties and insecurities, just like most people. I’m consciously aware of my size, space, and my voice in public settings. I fear being too much; too loud; too bossy; too extra. I’ve noticed it bleed into my entire life, and I know others carry this quiet struggle too. I think it’s different from being introverted. I think it’s anxiety that we have in us, nitpicking each move we make. I know that I have felt inferior and I still do. Confidence isn’t wallowing in our unknowns, it’s how we can be brave while we fight through them.

In reality, society puts barriers on women to make us feel inferior, pitting us against each other. Society’s picture perfect girl is unattainable. Silence as a form of femininity is wrong. Femininity is strength when no one sees it, empathy for all, boldly speaking for what we believe, and sharing our positive aspects with others. Society associates women’s politeness with weakness. We can be polite and stand our ground. We can be respectful and still have boundaries. We can be loud. 

Loud doesn’t always need to correlate to the volume at which we speak. Being loud means we’re secure in ourselves and we speak for what’s right. It’s being confident. Confidence is unique, it’s amazing to see how it blossoms in other people, meshing with their personalities. It’s easy to let negative thinking change how we perceive ourselves and our interactions. Do not let that make you shrink. Shrinking into a preconceived idea of you is not the authentic you. We are all a light, and we deserve to be seen. Take up space! You are meant to fill space with your ideas and presence, not withdraw to give it to someone else. There is space for everyone.

One more warning. Do not confuse confidence with hiding. We shouldn’t hide behind false confidence, we should stand beside it. Of course, the saying ‘fake it till you make it’ can be reassuring, but it’s important to make sure your confidence allows you to reach out for help. Being confident doesn’t mean you have everything going right, it means you’re aware and forgiving of yourself as you go through life. 

I’m still insecure, and I’m teaching myself to be confident and stay firm. I’m a perfectionist, and I’m learning to undo how harsh I am on myself. It’s not a straight upwards progression, it has dips and peaks; highs and lows. We are all deserving of love, from others and ourselves. Confidence is a kaleidoscope. It’s unique from every perspective, appearance, and angle. It looks different in everyone and we should take pride in our own showing of confidence. 

I challenge you to show confidence in any form. It’s daunting to some, but planting these affirmations now will help us in ways we can’t imagine. Whether it’s standing up taller, or protecting your mental health, we deserve to be sure of ourselves, and wherever we start is enough.