We all have one… a voice. Our problem is first: discover our voice and second: develop, define, refine and become proficient in using our voice. Some people’s voice is painting, some sing or play a musical instrument, some write, some find a particular ‘calling’, job, career that allows them to express their voice. And this really is the point… expressing our voice, whatever we discover as our best method.
Though others may have a similar voice style, only you have yours. At times it may harmonize with others but it must always be true to who it is. Once you’ve discovered your voice you do need to develop it, because it will require nurturing and experimenting to discover your best method of expression. And you’ll need to identify the various ways your voice can be used. I hope we never see only one avenue, only one expression of our voice because this would be unnecessarily limiting.
Finding your voice is the first step, developing is the second, and expressing is the third. This last step is often the most difficult because you are subject to the opinions of others as to how you should express, what you should express, and when you should express. My advice is to listen to the ‘advice’ but never let it dictate. Your voice will atrophy if it isn’t used but it will lose its luster if you don’t use it properly. And ‘properly’ is never defined by others’ opinions.
You will undoubtedly discover as you express your voice that it matures and grows and discovers other methods of expressions. Personally, I find that a delight. Always seeking to do more with what you have is never a negative. Never throwing out the old but having a heighten awareness of the possibilities of what could be is like using knowledge… the operable word is ‘use’ and that, to me, demonstrates wisdom.
… but, what do you think?
