My 2024 Word

         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.

Meetings, social media, in line at the grocery store. You never know who may need your voice because they can’t, for whatever reason, use their own. But what’s more important; following a trend of always agreeing and laughing to be considered “cool” and “accepted,” or simply doing the right thing?

Listen. I’ve gotten in trouble for speaking up. I’ve had people try to say things to pacify me. And I’m sure there have been people and “friends” that have talked behind my back. But it will not stop me. When you don’t speak up, you get taken advantage of. You and others suffer. You give power to someone else to use in the wrong way.

Is that how you want to live in this world?