Speak Your Loud

     Did you know that some actions are voices that are being used in silence?      A flyer had come home from my daughter’s elementary school. The school district’s food pantry needed breakfast items. I definitely wanted to help and set the flyer in the “to do” pile. A few days went by and some more papers were added to the pile. Then a snow storm came. That led to a trip to the grocery store but I forgot to grab some donations. Driving bans and school closures came and as I was cleaning, I found the flyer. There was a due date and thank goodness school reopened in time for me to still send items in.      I felt it was a sign from above that I saw the flyer again when I did.      I made a special trip to the store and spent $16.52. As I was checking out, it made me sad that in 2024, there are still food struggles. But I was happy to make a small contribution, and it felt a little bit of difference was made.      But it didn’t end there. When I was at home and sent the food off

          I panicked a bit when I saw a $0 in-network discount on my health EOB statement in my email this week. Knowing this doctor appointment would be an out-of-pocket expense, the statement should still be reviewed to make sure it’s correct. I started some quick research to see if I could solve this on my own.      The provider I went to showed in-network, but listed a different location then where I went. So, I figured it was an easy fix. After some online chatting with a rep, it turned out the 0$ amount was correct. I asked questions, stated when I didn’t understand something, and received explanations that were easy to follow for a non-insurance person.      I then saw an email thanking me for my payment from our cell phone provider. The amount was not reduced. There was still no discount that I applied for a few months back. I also contacted them after reviewing the statement. The online chat agent did not see my submission. It was my fault for not having the screenshot of when

     I filed some complaints today. But more on that in a minute.       I don’t know about you, but I am worn out by solicitations. Sales people are everywhere; door-to-door, your smart phone, and even in stores when you just want to shop in peace (This excludes fundraising for children’s activities. That’s completely different).      I have previously written to our town’s local paper because I am that aggravated by door-to-door sales people trying to sell me their product I do not need or want. Especially when they have been told no before and they show up again. Or keep pushing after they are told no. They need to make a ‘Do Not Disturb’ list for people that do not want them at their house unannounced. Unless consumers are the ones initiating contact and have time to prepare, it’s time to stop letting businesses call the shots on this selling technique.      This past Friday I received a robocall. My number has been on the Do Not Call registry since 2007. The voicemail said they app

       I recently had a discussion with someone the other day, about the need to speak up. I said that while using your voice is not an overnight success, to trust me that there is power in it. I was then asked what I do.            I explained I was very vocal in our school district, I comment on social media, and write letters to the town paper…things I can do when I can’t be physically present if there is a meeting. I was told that one voice can’t make a difference. Honestly, I was blown away by this comment. They went on to add that the basic person can’t do anything, that if you are not directly involved there’s nothing that can be done to change things.      I feel this is such an antiquated and poor attitude to have. Why say these things? I think it’s because a lot of people want immediate results. Come on. It’s not going to happen. Heck, you may not even be around to see a difference that is made. But should that mean you do nothing? I believe this attitude and way of thinking

            So last year I saw on Instagram that some people were picking one word to carry with them into the new year. I thought this was a great idea; something to have has your mindset and be intentional with. I had three I was considering. But the one that needs to be the focus of 2024 should come as no surprise – VOICE. Something I also highly encourage to be a part of your 2024.  But I do have to warn you. People will criticize you for speaking up. Especially if you are a woman. If they do this, remember it’s just a reflection on them. It’s easier than correcting the problem or issue they know is wrong, then to put any effort in to solve it. There are some other…cautions. Using your voice is not easy. It’s going to be hard, and at times will be uncomfortable. It can be lonely and people will say you are negative or argumentative. You MUST push this aside and keep going. It’s going to feel like a boulder in quick sand,  but trust me; your effort will be worth it. Meetin

Is everyone just using the black and gray crayons from the box? Yawn. It seems that way from all the social media posts I see. Especially on LinkedIn. Everyone is posting how to do this, that, or the other.  Boring.  Then there seems to be never ending polls.  Why?  Carousels that are rides and supposed to be for fun, are turning into things I want to hide from my feed. Everyone is turning their attention to one dreaded common denominator; the algorithm. All these voices are the same. They are all blending together like a toddler using crayons for the first time. Rarely do I see anything unique. Voices that stand for something, push boundaries, ask questions to get people thinking. I am so tired of society dictating we all stay in the same lane; driving so fast to some made up quantifiable destination that is already so overcrowded. It is time to stop speeding for some imaginary number of the day. It is time to start slowing down and really think about your voice. What does it stand fo