How big is your brave?

Sara Bareilles has a song that plays regularly on the radio station that is programmed on my jeep stereo. "Brave". Love it. It was the song that was playing when I pulled in to my work this morning, so I kept the engine (and heater) running and sang along at the top of my lungs. I have a soft top on my jeep, so I am sure everyone around heard me. What can I say? I like the song and I HAD to sing along.

I have always struggled finding my voice. I still struggle with the balance of saying what needs to be said and the feelings of the person with whom I am speaking. I am ALWAYS telling my kids that "Sometimes what you have to say isn't nearly as important as the person you are saying it to." Except SOMETIMES it is.

I have always made sure that my kids have a voice and that it is heard. I have found myself talking to multiple teachers, principals and coaches through the years. I would sigh and tell each of them "When they are adults, you'll appreciate their honesty. You're just bugged that you are the target of it right now." Then I would get my kid alone and let them have it. Or tell them they were right.

Things didn't always work out as planned. I haven't always dealt with rational human beings. I am not typically profound when I am under duress. I used to lose my head and become part of the argument. I HAVE learned to keep silent about the things that don't really matter and try VERY hard to deal exclusively with the facts. Sometimes I win. Sometimes I lose. I guess the important thing is that I try.

And since your history of silence
Won’t do you any good,
Did you think it would?
Let your words be anything but empty
Why don’t you tell them the truth?

~Lyrics from "Brave"

Find your voice and speak. Loud enough to be heard. Scream to the heavens. Speak in a quivering whisper. Be brave.