The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.
-Coco Chanel
For those of us who avoid conflict like the plague, thinking for ourselves—out loud does not come easily. Why do we let others think for us? Why do we keep our thoughts to ourselves?
I think it is because we have gotten too used to being a martyr. We’ve gotten too used to putting the needs of others—whether it’s the family unit or friend group or one person—above our needs. And we end up burying these feelings deep within our psyches and bodies.
It’s time to change that! It’s time to think for ourselves, to know our own minds and to call out those people and name those circumstances that hurt us and run contrary to our vision of a healthy and vibrant life.
Yes, it takes some courage, but living small hurts us. So seize the moment, live large, and speak your thoughts—out loud.
Tara Zafft, Ph.D. 