In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Break the Silence.”
I thought that I would have a go at today’s writing prompt from the Daily Post as it was something that resonates with me.
I have always been pretty timid and shy, as well as a people pleaser so the idea of speaking out about something is alien to me. I would rather carry on being taken advantage of, worrying or seething inside than confronting the issue head-on and trying to sort out the problem.
Oh yes, I know that I should speak up or shut up,as opposed to bottling everything up, until the inevitable explosion, where I would end up incoherently blabbing about something that happened ages ago!
Mostly though, I chose to keep quiet. Notice I said chose. I am becoming stronger, especially now that I am fast approaching the half a century milestone, and realise that life already too short is getting a damn sight shorter!
I have, little by little, been speaking up about things. There are still many that I can’t broach yet as I do not want to lose one of my friends (she has a partner who I have begun to see in a totally different light, and it is not pleasant)m but there are also some situations that I have tackled and I am pleased I did.
I e-mailed my boss and outlined my concerns at work. I did get called into her office, and explained what was wrong. After consulting with a senior member of staff who backed me up, she did take it seriously (shame she couldn’t just take my word for it, but at least I got somewhere).
I am also speaking up when I am not feeling ‘well’ (anxiety) which I just left until it got too much and would have to go to the doctor. I think people are pretty understanding about it.
I have began to realise that no-one else is going to understand my resentment of a situation if I do not let them know that it is upsetting me for whatever reason. So I am going to assert myself more and ‘spit it out!’
Good for you.
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Thanks Linda 🙂
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I have similar issues speaking out just in case everyone then hates me, but I’m discovering lately that whenever I do speak out, there are usually others around me who were just dying to do the same
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Yes, they were just waiting for someone else to speak out too! 🙂
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Good for you, Edwina. I think you do speak up, every day, here in your blog.
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Thanks. Yes I suppose there is that 🙂
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You won’t believe how much easier this gets with each passing year, Judy. That inner voice moves outside of you…and it’s a good thing. ☺
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Good, I can look forward to being even more assertive then! 🙂
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Perhaps you should’ve called this one, Edwina Grows Up…..LOL. And from what it sounds like she’s growing up very well! Glad you’re learning to empower yourself!
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Thanks so much. It has taken a long time!
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Good for you. Must ask if you watch Dr. Who….http://judydykstrabrown.com/2015/08/14/fantastic-finish-jnws-new-prompt-generator-and-latitude-schmatitude/
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Thanks Judy. No, I don’t watch Dr Who.
I have just been over to visit your blog and enjoyed your post on the prompt words ‘fantastic finish’ that you used from Jennifer Wells’ generator. I think I might have a go with that myself! Thanks for coming over and comenting
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I asked about Dr.Who because of the red phonebox in your picture. He is an intergalactic traveler who travels by means of one of those booths. It sets down “wherever” and is so ubiquitous, no one realizes it is anything but a phone booth. For anyone who has watched the show, which has gone on since the 50’s, I believe, a British phone booth has a definite connotation!
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Oh yes, I used to watch it as a child, He had a ‘tardis’ which is a phone box.
The reason I chose to have my pic taken with the phone box is because it is an icon of Britishness and I wanted to convey that 🙂
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I’m just glad you found your voice now Judy. It’s so important to be able to speak up for yourself, but for some that ability comes with maturity.
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Yes, I would never say anything when I was younger, but I think, after a while people think they can trample over you, so I have started speaking out.
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Yay! Go Judy!!!!
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I used to be that way too. My first therapist, back in 2001, sensed this and worked on assertiveness with me as much as she did with my other issues. I owe her a lot. I’m still not strongly outspoken, but I’, not nearly as passive as I used to be.
I’m glad you spoke up.
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Thanks Jim. It does take quite a lot of effort to change, but it seems we are getting there! 🙂
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Bravo! Some of us (including me) don’t find our voice until we are older. I think that it does give us the advantage, though, of being wise enough to know when to speak up and when to keep quiet. 🙂
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That is true. There are still times when it is best to keep quiet.
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With you on this one, Edwina – bottle up and then bluster – getting better though. Yet can speak out when it’s racism, homophobia or such downright nastiness – it’s the little slights I’ve airways taken on board and done nothing about. So good for you!!
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I too will speak up for others and for injustices. Funny aren’t we?! 🙂
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Good for you! I always prefer people be direct 🙂
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Your piece of writing kind of mirrors my haiku this week for Ron. Interesting! “Swallowing” is in it.
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Yes it does. Both of us breaking free! 🙂
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When I looked at the title I thought it was tuesday already…….
No seriously you go girl speak up don’t ever cower to anyone except maybe Ritu and Erika they’re dangerous.
But yeah Judy I know you’ve got ball stand up and say your bit more often😉
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Ha Ha! I was going to put a line in about ‘swallowing’ as well, but thought that might be a bit too much for a Friday!
Thanks Rich, yes I will watch those 2 dangerous women! 🙂
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😉
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I’m watching you Mr Waffles!!
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What have I done now sis☺
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Hmmmmmm…..! 😜
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Hmmm what sis😜😜😜
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Warning others about your so innocent sisters.. Hmmm m
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Ha Ha! Poor old Rich! Busted!!!
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Lol!!!
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Oh Judy knows what your like😉
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More power to you!
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Thanks Mary-Anne 🙂
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