I Lost My Voice—Don’t Lose Yours!
Our voice is one of the most powerful tools we have. It helps us advocate for ourselves, stand up for what we believe in, and make our presence known. But what happens when we lose it—not physically, but metaphorically? I learned this lesson the hard way, and in the process, I was reminded of the value of speaking up. To understand where this lesson began, let me take you back to my childhood and my very first “case.”
Case #00001: The Great Window Seat Debate
Growing up, I was never one to stay quiet. My dad affectionately nicknamed me his “little lawyer” because I never missed a chance to argue for what I believed was right. I even won my first “case” at the ripe old age of five. Now, you might say the scales were tipped in my favor—my dad was both the judge and the jury, and I was daddy’s little girl. But let me assure you, my opponent was no pushover. It was none other than my formidable Aunt Maria, his favorite older sister.
Let me take you back to case #00001. My Aunt Maria didn’t drive, so she often hitched a ride with us to family gatherings. She struck a “handshake deal” with my older brother and me that guaranteed her the coveted window seat in our copper-brown Toyota. My brother and I alternated between the other window seat and the dreaded middle seat—fair enough, right?
Well, my brother had a knack for claiming the window seat every time, and I decided enough was enough. I raised my little voice to contest this injustice. My Aunt, unimpressed with my protest, appealed to my dad—the judge and jury—assuming he’d side with her. To her shock, my dad ruled in my favor, instructing my brother to switch seats with me.
My brother complied without complaint, but Aunt Maria? Not so much. She was furious and insisted my dad pull the car over. She actually got out! As my dad drove off, my triumphant five-year-old self grinned ear to ear in the newly won window seat, basking in the glory of justice served.
“If there’s one thing I have learned in life, it’s the power of using your voice.”
The Power of Your Voice
I learned the power of my voice early on, but here’s the kicker: Somewhere along the way, I lost it.
How does someone so outspoken go quiet? It didn’t happen overnight—it was a slow fade, with me rationalizing every step. I’d think, I’m helping others get visibility or I’ll just email my thoughts since we ran out of time in the meeting. A friend and colleague even warned me, but I shrugged it off. Those small moments of silence added up until, one day, I realized I’d handed over the chance to present at a major event.
Was I disappointed? Absolutely. But it also became a valuable learning experience—one that reminded me why my voice matters and why I should never take it for granted. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Lessons From Losing My Voice
1. Your voice matters. Period. Don’t let anyone—yourself included—convince you otherwise.
2. Raise your words, and be intentional. Ask for time on meeting agendas or events. Be prepared and look for opportunities to add value. Your input is needed.
3. Be confident and take up space. I’m not suggesting you sprawl across the conference table (unless it’s part of your charm). But remember that you’re at the table for a reason. Speak with purpose, breathe, and let your points land without rushing.
4. Don’t assume people know your value. It’s not enough to think, They know what I bring to the table. Remind them. Use your voice to advocate for yourself and your contributions.
Reclaiming My Voice
I’m reclaiming my voice, and I encourage you to do the same. After all, my full name is Kalliope, which means beautiful voice in Greek (but that’s a story for another time).
So, speak up. Raise your words. Be the “little lawyer” in your own story—and never forget the power of your voice.