My voice is my Treasure

by Elouise

All my life I’ve lived under a shadow of silence. I don’t even know what to call it. It was my hiding place. A gigantic dark place. A cloud of thunder and lightning. Winds whipping trees in the night. Holding my breath until I thought I would burst. Watching my back lest I be caught unawares.

I began this blog because I wanted to find my voice. Not my professional voice, but my personal voice. It peeked out from time to time, but quickly retreated when challenged or under threat. I loved my voice, but I didn’t yet treasure it. Nor did I see it as a treasure.

I’ve been blogging for nearly three years. At first it was excruciatingly difficult and terrifying. I thought every word mattered. I didn’t want to turn myself into a sideshow. I desperately needed to keep my self-respect.

But blogging isn’t about getting every word just right so no one can possibly misunderstand me. It’s about using my voice differently. Relaxing into what I’ve dreamed of doing all my life: speaking and even playing with my voice, without apology or fear of what might happen next. Or of what others will think of me.

My voice is my Treasure. Not something I can hide or leave behind, but a gift from my Creator-Redeemer. A sparkling ring placed on my finger the day I was born. I can’t think of a better way to say Thank You to God than exercising my voice.

And then there are my readers. Here’s a Thank You to each woman and each man who has visited, read, commented, liked or not liked what I’ve posted.

They say audience feedback, whether verbal or nonverbal, is crucial for successful communication. It’s a two-way street. So…to each of you who has helped me see what’s happening or not happening, a Great Big Thank You. And a hug too, if you need one!

Gratefully,
Elouise ♥

© Elouise Renich Fraser, 7 December 2016
Response to WordPress Daily Prompt: Treasure