Today we are talking about the value of your voice. I’m aware that in this day of 24-hour talking heads on the news and various social media channels, there is hardly a lack of people chiming in with their 2¢.
However, I’m not advocating talking for the sake of talking, instead I’m referring to something that takes a lot more work than just spewing off opinions or cathartic releases into the online-void.
The world needs people who are thoughtfully considering what they want to say and putting their energy into sharing that through their art, rather than adding more voices to a noisy chorus.
Not to get all kumbaya on you, but there really is only one person who has your voice. Only you have been walking through all of your life, experiencing the joys and pain that have come along the way.
Your unique perspective, which is influenced by the experiences you have had, flavored by your interests, passions (plus a quirky trait or two) results in a voice that is unlike any other.
That voice is needed in the world. What you say and the particular way you will say it can influence others and make for a richer exchange of ideas.
However, here’s where the work comes in. It is one thing to periodically share thoughts or to create only when the mood strikes you. It is something else entirely to commit to regularly working out your artistic voice.
To all of you who read that sentence and thought “Ugh, there isn’t enough time in the day as it is. Now I’ve got to somehow find MORE time?!”
Let me first say, put down that pint of Ben & Jerry’s and just breathe. You don’t have to do anything. It’s OK. If this current season of life is already pulling you in so many different directions, it may not be possible to explore finding your artistic voice right now.
Hitting the pause button or intentionally waiting is not the same as saying it will never happen. It’s just acknowledging that right now may not be the time to invest in that part of your life.
Take heart, I was in that space for about 20 years. There was always something else that needed my energy and I couldn’t get clarity about what I wanted to do or what I wanted to create.
However, I kept checking in with myself and eventually got to a season where I could invest the time. Once you get to that place, my encouragement would be to make space for daily exploration or at least multiple times a week.
The only way that you will make progress is making the time to do the work. So once you determine what you want to do, set up your routine to reflect that decision.
So here’s the takeaway: If now is a season of waiting for you, then be encouraged knowing that it is just a season. If, however, you are in a season of finding your artistic voice, then do us all a favor and roll up your sleeves and do the work, because the world needs your unique contribution.
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