Why are we afraid to speak?

Why are we afraid to speak?

The stage frightens me
Stepping foot on the stage, mic in hand
I open my mouth and panic strikes, vocal cords frozen, 
Cheeks blushed red, sweat beading on my forehead
Hands shaking, at a loss for words
My thoughts tossed around like papers in a windstorm
I have something worth saying, 
So, what... happened?

The public won't appreciate me speaking
As my teacher explains the lesson
I’m embarrassed to say that I’m confused
To shy to raise my hand and ask a question
Afraid to seem idiotic for not understanding why
Oh, now there goes my classmate,
He lifted his hand, and spoke my mind
My curiosity wasn't alone, the simply teacher replied
Now he seems like a curious and intelligent guy
So, why couldn't I?

The talk is too small
I barely know this person, I have no clue where to begin
Should I say something, possibly talk about the weather
Today we did have to pull out sweaters, to shield us from the chill
of this wind that I wish would blow my awkwardness away
Why did I come here?
She’s from Dallas, I like to skate
She works in marketing, I can’t really relate
The pause in conversation drives my nerves through the roof!
Maybe we should just sit in silence
Spare us the embarrassment

Growing up, I would have each one of these conversations in my head. Presenting in front of an audience would make me tremble, I would battle with my own mind debating if I should take the initiative to speak in class or ask a questions, small talk and networking left me feeling like I had nothing of importance to say.

I knew there was an outgoing soul inside of me, waiting to be freed. I knew who she was, we spoke daily, she was the “true me”.  When I moved to a new country, I made the decision to break out of my shell, I wanted to reinvent my image. Stepping out of my comfort zone, *lights, camera, action*  “Presenting: The New ME”

I quickly realized, it was not that easy. I found myself pretending to be what I thought others wanted to see. My actions felt unnatural, topics of conversation were more controversial than insightful.  I was not being me. I was so quick to be seen, to become popular. I did not take the time to build the confidence within myself, rather I created a persona of confidence based off everyone else.

Each one of us has to take the time to find our voice. Individually plunging into the sea of self discovery. Who knows what treasures you will find that form the thoughts of the unique being you are. The fact is, we all have messages to be heard.  Don’t shy away from the story you have to tell. As you open up to the world, you’ll expand the perception the world has of you.

As your world grows, your confidence grows, and your story grows.

So ask those questions, voice your opinions, be awkward, but most importantly, step on that stage: breathe and speak.